Creston Community School District
Board of Directors Meeting
Public Hearing for Certified Budget
Regular Board Meeting
April 21, 2025
The Board of Directors of the Creston Community School District met on Monday, April 21, 2025. The meeting was held in the Boardroom at 801 N. Elm as well as virtually, starting at 5:30 p.m. Don Gee, President, presided, and the following answered roll call: Galen Zumbach, Don Gee, Dr. Brad James, Dr. Amanda Mohr, and Sharon Snodgrass. Administrators present: Deron Stender, Bill Messerole, Scott Driskell, and Billie Jo Greene.
A representative from the Creston News Advertiser and KSIB was present.
The president asked the members and audience to face the flag for the Pledge of Allegiance.
Zumbach moved, and Mohr seconded, to approve the agenda. Motion carried 5-0.
The second public hearing for the 2025-2026 fiscal year budget commenced at 5:31 p.m. with an open invitation to the community. During the hearing, no oral or written objections were received regarding the proposed budget. Hearing closed at 5:32 p.m. The proposed tax rate is 11.76015; this is a 1.95891 decrease from the 2024-2025 levy rate.
Zumbach moved, Snodgrass and seconded, to adjourn the meeting at 5:35 a.m. Motion carried 5-0.
______________________________ ______________________________
President Secretary
Regular Board Meeting
The Board of Directors of the Creston Community School District met on Monday, April 21, 2025. The meeting was held in the Boardroom at 801 N. Elm as well as virtually, starting at 5:40 p.m. Don Gee, President, presided, and the following answered roll call: Galen Zumbach, Don Gee, Dr. Brad James, Dr. Amanda Mohr, and Sharon Snodgrass. Administrators present: Deron Stender, Bill Messerole, Scott Driskell, and Billie Jo Greene.
A representative from the Creston News Advertiser and KSIB was present.
Zumbach moved, and James seconded, to approve the agenda. Motion carried 5-0.
There was no open public forum participation.
Public Hearing on 2025-2026 school calendar. No written or oral objections were received, opened at 5:40 p.m., and closed at 5:40 p.m.
Zumbach moved, and Mohr seconded, to approve consent agenda items: Motion carried 5-0.
- Minutes of March 24, 2025
- Financial Reports
- Bills
- Contracts, Resignations, Agreements
- Resignations
- Chris Tibbals- 9th Grade Head Softball Coach
- Jon Thomson- HS Football Assistant Coach
- Tanner Webb - HS Football Assistant 9/10
- Kristen Bradley- Teacher (End of 24-25 school year)
- Madison Gravlin- Teacher (End of 24-25 school year)
- Courtney Kile- Teacher (End of 24-25 school year)
- Gabriella Cannon- Para
- Contracts
- Palmer Scott- Teacher (25-26 school year)
- Arianna Gomez- Teacher (25-26 school year)
- Braelyn Baker- Teacher (25-26 school year)
- Isabelle Myers- Teacher (25-26 school year)
- Zoe Meyer- Teacher (25-26 school year)
- Retirements
- Wendy Hartsock- Teacher (End of 24-25 school year)
- Green Hills AEA MOU (2025-2026)
- Green Hills AEA Lease Agreement for Central Office
- Outdoor Stadium Sound System Improvement
- DJ Events (2026 Prom DJ)
- Southwestern Community College Contracts
- Automotive Repair Technology and Carpentry
- Arts and Sciences
- Auto Collision Repair/Refinish and Electrical Technology Career Academy
- Health Science
- Information Technology Systems Networking Career Academy,
- Concurrent Enrollment Program
- Summer Welding Technology Career Academy, Carpentry & Building Trades and Health Science Career Academy
- Statewide Voluntary Preschool Program Contracts
- Trinity Lutheran Preschool
- St. Malachy School
- Matura Headstart
- SWCC
- Donation: The district gratefully acknowledges the following donations: Kathy and David Rieck generously donated $250 to Peppers in memory of their grandson, designated for Pepper's needs. Greater Regional Hospital’s Lab contributed $300 worth of glassware no longer needed in their lab to support the high school science department. Erica Frey from SWCC donated $3,000 worth of leftover STEM supplies from a STEM grant, benefiting both high school robotics and science programs. Additionally, Creston Elementary School received a donation through Henry’s Heroes and the Deb & Jeff Hansen Foundation, consisting of 75 new books—half in English and half in Spanish—and a book cart, as part of their initiative to support 100 schools across Iowa.
- Volunteers - Classroom: Brittany Vandevender, Caitlyn Maitlen, Sharon Walters, and Sarah Young. Classroom and Activities: Jennifer Veitz, Melinda Abell, and Sarah Young.
- Resignations
Communication and reports
- PK-4 Principal Anderson Report - The elementary and early childhood teams are actively engaged in refining curriculum and supporting student learning. At Panther Pride Preschool, staff are collaboratively supporting guest teachers after Mrs. Henrichs began maternity leave earlier than expected. Kindergarten is reviewing formative and summative data in preparation for midterms on April 25 and spring screenings starting May 19, with a zoo trip scheduled for May 7, sponsored by Iowa State Savings Bank. First grade is exploring supplemental math resources and planning a visit to the Historical Complex, sponsored by Panther Pride PTO. Second grade is reviewing assessments and scoring guides and recently visited the Science Center, also sponsored by PTO. Third and fourth grades have completed ISASP testing and are reviewing assessment data, with third grade still seeking a phonics resource and interviewing new candidates. Third grade has a field trip to Living History Farms on April 7. Fourth grade is diving deeper into the implementation of the new math resource. Grades 1–4 will begin spring screening the week of May 12. The final session of year one LETRS professional development is on April 21, with on-site coaching to follow. Upcoming events include Peek at Panther Pride Preschool on April 23, PTO Movie Night on April 25, Kindergarten Kickoff on May 6, Kickoff days on May 8–9, Preschool Graduation on May 22, and Track & Field Day on May 28. Additional ongoing experiences include Friday Cub Club, monthly ECC Character Rallies, and family engagement through the Panther Pride PTO and school Facebook pages.
- Activities Director Driskell Report - Spring sports and activities update; Booster Club has agreed to update the sound system at the stadium. Hawkeye 10 Conference Art Show will be held April 23, 2025 at the High School.
- Business Manager Greene’s Report - The monthly financial reports cover key financial data, and CFPM updates from March 2025. Also, an update on the public forum by adding a form to complete with the need information for public participation.
- Superintendent Stender’s Report - The district continues to make steady progress on the new Early Childhood Center, with Mr. Briley, Mrs. Anderson, and the superintendent meeting monthly with DLR and DDVI project managers to monitor construction and ensure accountability. As of now, $60,342 in change orders have been processed, with a remaining contingency fund of $677,958. DDVI anticipates that the new office and part of the wing will be ready for occupancy by mid-August, though temporary accommodations are being planned in case of delays. The district also received a 2% increase in State Supplemental Aid (SSA), raising per-student funding to $7,983, which is helpful but not enough to fully meet district needs amidst declining enrollment. Consequently, the district is pursuing the Budget Guarantee, a measure that adjusts the property tax levy to maintain budget levels, a step that 156 districts across Iowa are expected to take. Preliminary funding for licensed teacher compensation has also been announced, though final figures remain uncertain due to pending tax legislation. Budget planning is nearly complete but remains fluid due to ongoing staffing, negotiations, and operational changes. The district is reassessing AED placement following a recent medical emergency involving a student, who is now recovering well thanks to the swift response of staff, emergency personnel, and community members. The Iowa Department of Education is requesting input regarding the proposed attachment of unassigned territory, requiring the attendance of the board president, superintendent, and legal counsel. Additionally, the district was notified that Mayflower Heritage Christian School will operate as an independently accredited K–8 school with ESA eligibility, a development that may impact district enrollment. DLR is also drafting a long-overdue proposal to improve lighting and sound in the auditorium. Meanwhile, collaborative agreements with Lenox are underway to share key administrative roles, generating cost savings through supplementary weighting, with proposals expected in May. Lastly, the superintendent continues to hold regular community coffee meetings to strengthen connections and foster open dialogue. The district also monitors legislative decisions and continues community engagement through monthly coffee meetings. Thanked Glenwood staff, Naomi Sharp, and the many people who responded and provided life-saving support to our student who collapsed at a track meet.
- Enrollment and State Aid Overview
- Early Childhood Facility Planning - Tentative Timeline, budget, and project spending.
Mohr moved, and James seconded, to approve the fiscal year 2024 district audit. Motion carried 5-0.
Mohr moved, and James seconded, to approve the 2025-2026 certified budget. Motion carried 5-0.
James moved, and Snodgrass seconded, to approve the Budget Guarantee Resolution for FY 26 for the regular program budget as allowed under Iowa Code 257.14. Motion carried 5-0.
Zumbach moved, and Snodgrass seconded, to approve the 2025 graduation list pending successful completion of the graduation requirements as set forth by the Board of Education. Motion carried 5-0.
Mohr moved, and Zumbach seconded, to approve the 2025-2026 school calendar. Motion carried 5-0.
Zumbach moved, and James seconded, to 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 carried 5-0.
Mohr moved, and James seconded, to approve the RISE Online Academy for 2025-2026. Motion carried 5-0.
Zumbach moved, and James seconded, to approve the Virtual Alternative School. Motion carried 5-0.
Mohr moved, and Zumbach seconded, to approve the summer food program. Motion carried 5-0.
Mohr moved, and Zumbach seconded, to approve the first reading of Policy Primer 33.3. Motion carried 5-0.
Zumbach moved, and James seconded, to adjourn the meeting at 6:23 p.m. Motion carried 5-0.
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President Secretary
Future meeting in 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
