CRESTON COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

Board of Directors

July 21, 2025

At 4:30 p.m., the board will tour the New Early Childhood Addition

Regular Meeting - Meeting at 5:30 p.m.

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 1-434-623-2922 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#

 

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.

2. 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

 

3. Approval of Agenda

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

4. Open hearing for the sale of real property as described. 

Board President states, "At this time, we will hold the public hearing on real property as described.  Is there anyone present who wants to voice any oral objections to the real property as described?"  Following a pause to allow anyone to voice their opinion, the Board President will ask the Superintendent, "Do we have any written objections to the sale of real property as described?”.   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., no written or oral objections received, closed at ____ p.m.

5. Open Hearing on High School Auditorium Lighting Project

Board President states, "At this time, we will hold the public hearing on the High School Auditorium Lighting Project.  Is there anyone present who wants to voice any oral objections to the High School Auditorium Lighting Project?"  Following a pause to allow anyone to voice their opinion, the Board President will ask the Superintendent, "Do we have any written objections to the High School Auditorium Lighting Project?” 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., no written or oral objections received, closed at ____ p.m.

6. Open Hearing on the proposed  District Developed Special Education Services Delivery System.

Board President states, "At this time, we will hold the hearing on the 2024-2025 District Developed Special Education Services Delivery System.  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 District Developed Special Education Services Delivery System?".  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., no written or oral objections received, closed at ____ p.m.

7. 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.

8. 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. 1. Minutes of June 16, 2025
   2. Financial Reports
      1. All Funds Financials
   3. Bills
      1. All Funds Report
   4. Agreements, Contracts, & Resignations
      1. Contracts and Resignations
         
         1. Memo School Business Official Transition Plan and Timeline
      2. Residential Placement Agreement
         
         1. Due to confidentiality, we are not able to share the agreement publicly.  This is a continuation of an existing agreement for residential placement and is a SPED expenditure.
      3. Music Theatre International
      4. Wellmark Behavioral and Mental Health Grant
         
         1. This is a 3-year $90,000 grant agreement with Wellmark for behavioral and mental health support.  Wellmark fully funds the first year, and year two is 75%, and year two is 50% funded by Wellmark.
      5. Green Hills AEA Revised MOU
         
         1. The revised MOU reflects the contracted service for mental and behavioral health funded by the Wellmark grant.  This position is eligible for operational sharing and will generate 2 student FTE.
   5. Annual board policy review
   6. Volunteers
   7. Donations

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

9. Communications and Reports
   
   1. Business Manager’s Report

9. 2. Superintendent’s Report
   3. Early Childhood Facility Planning
      1. Tentative Timeline - Budget (updated 7.16.25)
      2. Project Spending
      3. Change Orders updated Change order #4
   4. Board Discussion
10. New Business
    
    1. Consider a Resolution approving the sale of real property

ACTION:  The district has followed the procedures outlined in Iowa Code for the sale of real property.  The survey for Parcel is described.  Section 1. That the real property described herein shall be conveyed by the District to Roger Lanning for other good and valuable consideration, conveyance by the District shall be by Deed without Warranty for $1,620.70.  Please contact Mr. Stender with any questions.

RECOMMENDATION:   Approve the Resolution for the sale of real property.

Motion by: _____, Seconded by: ________, Roll Call Voting: ____ Aye, ____ Nay

1. 2. Consider approving the bid for the proposed High School Auditorium Lighting Project

ACTION:  The following bid was received for the High School Auditorium Lighting Project previously approved by the school board.  DLR has managed the project and bid process.  Based on the bid tabulation, DLR recommends Van Mannen Electric, LLC for $1,033,728.  This project is budgeted from SAVE/PPEL funds for FY 27 or contingency funds.  Please contact Mr. Stender with any questions.

RECOMMENDATION:  Approve and award bid to Van Mannen.

Motion by: _____, Seconded by: ________, Roll Call Voting: ____ Aye, ____ Nay

1. 3. Consider approving a contract amendment for DLR Group for design, bidding, and construction administration services for the High School Auditorium Lighting Improvements.

ACTION:   The district worked with DLR to plan and manage the district's High School Auditorium Lighting improvement project. This amendment is for $92,813.00 for auditorium lighting and $6,445.00 for EMS LED update and will be paid for by SAVE/PPEL. Please contact Mr. Stender with any questions.

RECOMMENDATION:   Approve contract amendment with DLR Group for the High School Auditorium Lighting improvement project and change order of the EMS LED lighting of $99,258.00.

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

1. 4. Consider approving the purchase of a 12-passenger van and issuing a payment

ACTION: This is the second purchase of a twelve-passenger van to support efficient transportation for our students and activities.  This is a newly used vehicle with 14 miles on it, costing $54,183, which is about $10,000 less than the used van purchased a year ago. This is an eligible SAVE/PPEL expenditure.  Please contact Mr. Stender with any questions.

RECOMMENDATION: Approve the purchase and payment for a 12-passenger van from TNT Ford

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

1. 5. Consider approving the 2025-2026 district handbooks
      1. District Student & Parent Handbook
         
         1. The major revisions are the removal of the discipline framework and content that is now part of the student code of character, conduct, and support.  It also recognizes the change in attendance centers and addresses the personal device ban.
      2. Student Code of Character, Conduct, and Support
         
         1. The new Districtwide Student Code of Conduct features standardized definitions and disciplinary matrices to ensure consistent, equitable practices across all schools. This structured framework is intentionally designed to support our Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) and aligns with both district goals: improving culture and ensuring every student is supported academically, behaviorally, and emotionally. It also reflects our commitment to strong partnerships with students, families, and staff to foster a safe, respectful, and inclusive learning environment.
         2. Discipline Framework
      3. Panther Pride Preschool Handbook
         
         1. Panther Pride Preschool Academic Calendar
      4. District Staff Handbook
      5. Paraprofessional Handbook
      6. Coaches Handbook

ACTION: Administration has worked collaboratively to review and revise district handbooks.  Please contact Mr. Stender with any questions.
RECOMMENDATION: Approve the 2025-2026 district handbooks.

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

1. 6. Consider approving the 2025-2026 District Goals
      ACTION:.  Administrators have worked with a trained facilitator in 4DX/Logic Model to review district data and revise the 2024-2025 district goals. We will continue to focus on improving the district culture and strengthening MTSS and this link identifies the goals with success indicators.  In addition, facilities, finance, and community and state partnerships are essential for school governance. Please note that each building develops goals based on the district's goals. Please contact Mr. Stender with any questions.
      RECOMMENDATION: Approve the 2025-2026 District goals.
      Motion by: _____, Seconded by: ________, Those Voting: ____ Aye, ____ Nay
   7. Consider approving the 2025-2026 District Legislative Priorities
      ACTION:  Each year, the Iowa School Board Association requests that its member districts submit their legislative priorities that will be presented and voted on at the association’s delegate assembly in November.  The proposed legislative priorities reflect the district's needs.  Please contact Mr. Stender with any questions.
      RECOMMENDATION: Approve the 2025-2026 district legislative priorities.

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

1. 8. Consider approving the District Developed Special Education Services Delivery System

ACTION:  This is an annual procedure and Department of Education requirement that outlines district special education resources. Please contact Mr. Stender with any questions.
RECOMMENDATION:  Approve District Developed Special Education Services Delivery Plan.
Motion by: _____, Seconded by: ________, Roll Call Voting: ____ Aye, ____ Nay

1. 1. Consider approving the Operational Sharing Agreements with Lenox CSD
      ACTION:  The district has worked with Lenox to consider opportunities for shared services.  After months of collaboration, we have identified that we can share a human resource officer (Taylor R) and a special education director (Trish C).  The agreements outline the terms, and this is a great opportunity for collaboration and efficiency.  As a result of the two agreements, the district will save an estimated $73,000.  Please contact Mr. Stender with any questions. 
      RECOMMENDATION: Approve operational sharing agreement with Lenox CSD for human resource officer and special education director. 

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

1. 10. Consider approving Dual Sports Participation

                        ACTION:   With recent changes in sports seasons and ongoing enrollment declines, the district has reviewed the impact of students participating in multiple sports during the same season. While there are pros and cons to dual sport participation, we believe it remains a viable option that can benefit our students. Participation will be carefully coordinated by coaches and the Activities Director to support the well-being of our student-athletes. We will continue to monitor and adjust as needed to ensure this approach meets the needs of both students and programs. Please contact Mr. Stender with any questions..

RECOMMENDATION:   Approve Dual Sports Participation.

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

1. 11. Consider approving the first reading of Policy Primer 33.4
       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 33.4.
Motion by: _____, Seconded by: ________, Those Voting: ____ Aye, ____ Nay

1. 50. Consider approving 257 Swan Street, Creston, IA, as the new location of board meetings

                        ACTION:  With the closure of the building at 801 N. Elm Street, the Central Office has relocated to a shared space with Green Hills AEA at 257 Swan Street. We will announce this change through district social media and a notice in the local newspaper. The first school board meeting at the new location will be held in August. Please contact Mr. Stender with any questions. 

RECOMMENDATION:   Approve 257 Swan Street, Creston, IA, as the place where school board meetings will be held.

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

1. 1000. Consider approving the sale of public property.

                        ACTION:  I request annual approval and authority to manage the sale and disposal of public property.  This allows the district to have the flexibility to manage the sale and disposal of public property without delay.  The district will follow state codes in the disposal and sale of public property. Please contact Mr. Stender with any questions.

RECOMMENDATION:  Approve granting authority to the Superintendent to sell and dispose of public property as necessary and in accordance with Iowa Code.

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

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

 

Future meetings in the AEA boardroom at 257 Swan St, Creston, unless otherwise noted:

• Monday, August 18, 2025, 5:30 p.m. Regular Board Meeting

• Monday, September 15, 2025, 5:30 p.m., Regular Board Meeting
• Monday, October 20, 2025, 5:30 p.m., Regular Board Meeting