Board Agenda-2025.04.21

Board Agenda-2025.04.21

CRESTON COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

Board of Directors

Public Hearing for Certified Budget - Meeting at 5:30 p.m.

Regular Meeting - Meeting at 5:40 p.m.

April 21, 2025

Boardroom, 801 N. Elm, Creston, IA

 

The vision of the Creston Community School District is to provide the foundation for students to become lifelong learners and positive, confident, and compassionate citizens.

 

Per Iowa Code Section 21.4(1)(b) the school board shall meet and conduct the regular board meeting electronically when it is impossible or impractical. Please call this toll-free number 1-929-336-5572 to access the board meeting to participate in the public hearing. Please click on this link or visit this address meet.google.com/uix-bbyc-bcm  to access the board meeting.

 

  1. The public is welcome to join remotely and observe school board meetings. Remote access information is provided above.
  2. To help facilitate the Public Forum, participants must contact the Board Secretary by noon on the day of the board meeting. The Iowa Association of School Boards advises school board members to listen to constituents and refrain from commenting during public forums. The practice of the district is for board members to listen and to direct the administration to follow up with the participant(s).
  3. Form of needed information.
    1. Participants shall provide their names and address.
    2. Participants shall indicate the agenda item they wish to address.
    3. Participants shall indicate which administrator they have addressed their concerns with.
    4. Participants are asked to limit their time to three minutes.
    5. Please see Policy 213, Public Participation in Board Meetings, for more information.
  4. Board meetings are recorded and available to the public on the district website for one month.
  5. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding. If you have any questions, please contact Board Secretary Billie Jo Greene at 641-782-7028 bgreene@crestonschools.org

 

Join by phone

‪(US) +1 434-623-2922 PIN: ‪654 208 084#

 

 

Second Budget Hearing on Certified Budget

Meeting at 5:30 p.m.

Agenda

 

  1. Call to Order by _______________ Time: ___________

The President will call the meeting to order using the gavel if necessary. The President will request those with communication devices to either turn them off or place them on silent mode. This may be a good time to introduce any special guests. A binder labeled Public Copy of Board Materials containing board meeting materials is available for public review at the table at the side of the room. Meeting agendas are available for the public at the table at the side of the room. Meeting agendas, materials, and minutes are also available on the district web page.

  1. Pledge of Allegiance

The president will ask the members and audience to face the flag for the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

 

Don Gee

Board President

 

Galen Zumbach,

Vice President

 

Dr. Amanda Mohr,

 

Dr. Brad James

 

Sharon Snodgrass

 

Deron Stender,

Superintendent

 

Billie Jo Greene,

School Business Official

 

Bill Messerole,

High School Principal

 

Scott Driskell. AP/Activities Director

 

Lesa Downing          5-8 Principal

 

Callie Anderson, PK-4 Principal

 

 
  1. Approval of Agenda

Motion by: _____, Seconded by: ________, Those Voting: ____ Aye, ____ Nay

  1. Open budget hearing #2 on the proposed 2025-2026 certified budget

Board President states, "At this time, we will hold the public hearing for the 2025-2026 fiscal year budget.  Is there anyone present who wants to voice any oral objections to the 2026 fiscal year budget?"  Following a pause to allow anyone to voice their opinion, the Board President will ask the Board Secretary, "Do we have any written objections to the 2026 fiscal year budget?"  After the Secretary presents any written objections, the president closes the public hearing by stating, "I now declare the hearing closed."

Open at ____ p.m., ____ written or ____oral objections received, closed at ____ p.m.

  1. Adjournment: Time: ____ pm.
    Motion by: _____, Seconded by: ________, Those Voting: ____ Aye, ____ Nay

 

Regular Board Meeting

Meeting at 5:40 p.m.

Agenda

 

 

  1. Call to Order by _______________ Time: ___________

The President will call the meeting to order using the gavel if necessary. The President will request those with communication devices to either turn them off or place them on silent mode. This may be a good time to introduce any special guests. A binder labeled Public Copy of Board Materials containing board meeting materials is available for public review at the table at the side of the room. Meeting agendas are available for the public at the table at the side of the room. Meeting agendas, materials, and minutes are also available on the district web page.

 

 

Don Gee

Board President

 

Galen Zumbach,

Vice President

 

Dr. Amanda Mohr,

 

Dr. Brad James

 

Sharon Snodgrass

 

Deron Stender,

Superintendent

 

Billie Jo Greene,

School Business Official

 

Bill Messerole,

High School Principal

 

Scott Driskell. AP/Activities Director

 

Lesa Downing          5-8 Principal

 

Callie Anderson, PK-4 Principal

 

 
  1. Approval of Agenda

Motion by: _____, Seconded by: ________, Those Voting: ____ Aye, ____ Nay

  1. Public Forum

The President will ask the Board Secretary if any requests for public comment have been received. The Board will listen to public comments and in accordance with district policy 213, will direct questions to the Superintendent or the appropriate staff.

  1. Open Hearing on the Proposed 2025-2026 School Calendar. (5:40 p.m.)

Board President states, "At this time, we will hold the hearing on the 2025-2026 school calendar.  Is there anyone present who wants to voice any oral objections to the proposed calendar?"  Following a pause to allow anyone to voice their opinion, he will turn to the board secretary and ask, "Do we have any written objections to the proposed calendar?".  After the board secretary presents any written objections, the president closes the hearing by stating, "I now declare the open hearing closed."

Open at ____ p.m. ____ written or ____oral objections received, closed at ____ p.m.

  1. Consent Items

The President will ask for a motion to accept the Consent Agenda as presented or amended. With a motion and a second, the President will call for a vote.

    1. Minutes of March 24, 2025
    2. Financial Reports
      1. All Funds Financials
    3. Bills
      1. All Funds Report
    4. Agreements, Contracts, & Resignations
      1. Contracts and Resignations
      2. Green Hills AEA MOU (2025-2026) updated
      3. Green Hills AEA Lease Agreement for Central Office
        1. This lease reflects the partnership with Green Hills Area Education Agency and the district for Central Office space.  The agreement is a one-year renewable agreement at no cost to the district except for existing costs of custodial services, snow removal, and ground maintenance.
      4. Outdoor Stadium Sound System Improvement
        1. This project is a partnership between the district and the Booster Club, splitting the cost 50/50.  We appreciate the matching support of the Booster Club.
      5. DJ Events (2026 Prom DJ)
      6. Southwestern Community College Contracts
        1. The district has agreements with SWCC for many programs, and the agreements are as follows:
          1. Automotive Repair Technology and Carpentry
          2. Arts and Sciences
          3. Auto Collision Repair/Refinish and Electrical Technology Career Academy
          4. Health Science
          5. Information Technology Systems Networking Career Academy,
          6. Concurrent Enrollment Program
          7. Summer Welding Technology Career Academy, Carpentry & Building Trades and Health Science Career Academy
      7. 2025-2026 Statewide Voluntary Preschool Program Contracts
        1.  Trinity Lutheran Preschool
        2.  St. Malachy School
        3.  Matura Headstart
        4.  SWCC
    5. Donations
    6. Volunteers

Motion by: _____, Seconded by: ________, Those Voting: ____ Aye, ____ Nay

  1. Communications and Reports
    1. PK-4 Principal’s Report
    2. Activity Directory Report
    3. Business Manager’s Report
    4. Superintendent’s Report
      1. Enrollment & State Aid Overview
    5. Early Childhood Facility Planning
      1. Tentative Timeline - Budget (updated 4.18.25)
      2. Project Spending
      3. Change Orders
    1. Board Discussion
  3. New Business
    1. Consider approving the fiscal year 2024 district audit

ACTION: Mrs. Greene and Mr. Stender will review the FY 2023 district audit.  The district received a highly qualified audit reflecting the school board's sound governance and management by district staff.  Please see the attached audit report and contact Mrs. Greene with any questions.

RECOMMENDATION: Approve the fiscal year 2024 district audit.
Motion by: _____, Seconded by: ________, Those Voting: ____ Aye, ____ Nay

    1. Consider adopting the proposed 2025-2026 certified budget

ACTION: Public notices and public hearings were provided in accordance with the Iowa Code. The total Creston Levy is 11.76015, which is a decrease of 1.95891.  Please contact Mr. Stender or Mrs. Greene with any questions.
RECOMMENDATION: Approve the 2025-2026 certified budget.

    1. Consider adopting a Resolution for the Budget Guarantee

ACTION: When state funding doesn't meet a district's needs, particularly in the face of declining enrollment, a district can adjust its property tax levy to ensure its budget reaches 101% of the previous year's level. This mechanism helps soften the impact of enrollment decreases on school budgets. The 2% SSA doesn't provide the funding to meet the needs of our district and will result in 156 districts being eligible for the Budget Guarantee. This standard procedure allows the district to maximize its levy authority to generate resources to serve the needs of our children. Please contact Mr. Stender with any questions.
RECOMMENDATION: Approve the Budget Guarantee Resolution for FY 26 for the regular program budget as allowed under Iowa Code 257.14.

Motion by: _____, Seconded by: ________, Those Voting: ____ Aye, ____ Nay

    1. Consider approving the 2025 graduation list

ACTION: Attached is the list of graduates for the class of 2025.  The list includes students who completed their graduation requirements at the high school and the alternative program.  In all cases, these students have or will have completed their graduation requirements set forth by the Board of Education prior to graduation.  If any students fail to complete the requirements by the last day of school, they will not be permitted to participate in graduation ceremonies.  Please contact Mr. Stender with any questions.
RECOMMENDATION: Approve the 2025 graduation list pending successful completion of the graduation requirements as set forth by the Board of Education.
Motion by: _____, Seconded by: ________, Those Voting: ____ Aye, ____ Nay

    1. Consider approving the 2025-2026 School Calendar

ACTION:   In accordance with Iowa Code 279.10(1) the public hearing has been held for the proposed 2025-2026 school calendar. The development of the 2025-2026 school calendar has been particularly challenging due to the state mandate prohibiting districts from starting school before August 23. While there was initial legislative discussion about modifying this requirement, I have been informed that no changes will be made, and the mandate will remain in place. During the drafting process, the administration received valuable feedback from staff and also learned that SWCC aligned its spring break with the state colleges. These factors led to several adjustments in this draft. Below is an outline of the key considerations that shaped this calendar:

  • The calendar maintains the 191 contracted days for licensed staff (186 workdays + 5 holidays).
  • To support Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) and staff development, we will utilize "stay late" Wednesdays to provide consistent collaboration for professional growth and school improvement.
  • Stay late Wednesdays will run from 2:30-4:00 PM and will count toward 1 full day of Professional Development (15*32=480/60=8 hours or 1 day).
  • Full-day Professional Development is strategically placed to accommodate the state-required training for the LETRS program.
  • The district traditionally schedules 176 student contact days; however, due to the late school start, this calendar includes 175 student contact days to avoid extending the school year into June. I am requesting board approval for this one-time modification. The district still exceeds the minimum hourly requirement by eight days.

Developing a school calendar is a complex process influenced by numerous factors. Our goal is to ensure continuity in learning while balancing state requirements, professional development, and staff needs. Please contact Mr. Stender with any questions.

RECOMMENDATION: Approve the 2025-2026 school calendar.
Motion by: _____, Seconded by: ________, Those Voting: ____ Aye, ____ Nay

    1. Consider approving the revised 2024-2025 school calendar

ACTION: The district closed for three days due to inclement weather.  The district calendar exceeds the minimum state requirement by 8.5 days, and  I recommend waiving the make-up of student days (staff will complete the necessary instruction and benchmarks). I recommend that the board waive making up one of the three licensed staff contract days as a courtesy for the flexibility and support staff provides due to substitute shortages and covering for student events and activities. This is not a precedent, and the school board reserves the right and authority to manage contracted days of service.  Licensed staff will make up two contract days on June 2 & 3 and help with the transition of instructional equipment and supplies from the ECC to the EMS, or be engaged in collaboration and professional development. Please contact Mr. Stender with any questions.

RECOMMENDATION: Approve the revised 2024-2025 calendar to not extend student days and waive one contract day for licensed staff, with two licensed staff days to help transition from the ECC to EMS or professional development.

Motion by: _____, Seconded by: ________, Those Voting: ____ Aye, ____ Nay

    1. Consider approving the RISE Online Academy

ACTION: Please click on this link to review the RISE Online Academy Proposal. RISE Online School Timeline. Please contact Mr. Stender with any questions.

RECOMMENDATION:   Approve the RISE Online Academy for 2025-2026.

Motion by: _____, Seconded by: ________, Those Voting: ____ Aye, ____ Nay

    1. Consider approving Virtual Alternative School

ACTION: The district has operated an Alternative School for many years. We have reviewed the program and recommend shifting to a virtual alternative program.  The following factors led to this recommendation:

  1. Currently, alternative school students complete academic programming provided by Edmentum with the guidance of an instructor. 
    1. The academic programming will not change.  Mrs. Fourez will coordinate and facilitate the alternative school.
    2. Mrs. Fourez will monitor student progress and schedule time with students as necessary to facilitate their needs.
  2. Currently, the program is provided in the same building as the ECC, which will be vacated.  A virtual program eliminates the need for physical space.
    1. Mrs. Fourez will be available to meet and work with students at her office or a designated location at the request of the student and or family.  
    2. District counselors can also facilitate any tutoring needs.

Please contact Mr. Stender with any questions.

RECOMMENDATION: Approve Virtual Alternative School.

Motion by: _____, Seconded by: ________, Those Voting: ____ Aye, ____ Nay

    1. Consider approving the Summer Food Program

ACTION:  State and federal food programs have and continue to change the guidelines for districts to provide meal services to students and families.  The Iowa Department of Education has received approval from the USDA to serve Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) meals.  This is an opportunity to provide meals and support our students and families during summer break. Please contact Mr. Stender with any questions.

RECOMMENDATION:   Approve the summer food program.

 Motion by: _____, Seconded by: ________, Those Voting: ____ Aye, ____ Nay

    1. Consider approving the first reading of Policy Primer 33.3
      ACTION:  IASB has revised the following policies to comply with state and federal laws.  This is the first reading of these policies.  The administration has reviewed these policies and addressed them accordingly. Please contact Mr. Stender with any questions.

RECOMMENDATION: Approve the first reading of Policy Primer 33.3.
Motion by: _____, Seconded by: ________, Those Voting: ____ Aye, ____ Nay

  1. Adjournment: Time: _____ pm.
    Motion by: _____, Seconded by: ________, Those Voting: ____ Aye, ____ Nay

Future meetings in the Creston boardroom at 801 N. Elm Street, Creston, unless otherwise noted:

  • Tuesday, April 22, 2025, 5:30 p.m. CEA negotiations meeting
  • Thursday, April 24, 2025, 5:30 p.m. AFSCME negotiations meeting
  • Monday, May 19, 2025, 5:30 p.m. Regular Board Meeting
  • Monday, June 16, 2025, 5:30 p.m. Regular Board Meeting

 

 

 

 

bgreene@cresto… Mon, 06/24/2024 - 17:09