Creston Community School District
Board of Directors Meeting
January 20, 2025
Regular Board Meeting
The Board of Directors of the Creston Community School district met on Monday, January 20, 2024. The meeting was held in the Boardroom at 801 N. Elm as well as virtually, starting at 5:31 p.m. Don Gee President presided, and the following answered roll call: Galen Zumbach, Don Gee, Dr. Amanda Mohr, Dr. Brad James, and Sharon Snodgrass. Administrators present; Deron Stender, Callie Anderson, Lesa Downing, Bill Messerole, and Taylor Royster.
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.
Mohr moved, and James seconded, to approve the agenda. Motion carried 4-0.
There was no open public forum participation.
Mohr moved, and James seconded, to approve consent agenda items: Motion carried 5-0.
- Minutes of December 16, 2024
- Financial Reports
- Bills
- Contracts, Resignations, agreements
- Resignations
- Kaitlyn Halvorson- Para
- Deb George - Cook
- Contracts
- Gabriella Cannon- MS Para
- Hannah Fry- HS Para
- Treyton Chesnut- Head MS Girls Wrestling Coach
- Keaton Street-Assistant MS Boys Wrestling Coach
- Cole Crawford- Head 8th Grade Girls Basketball Coach
- Brielle Baker- Head 7th Grade Girls Basketball Coach
- CEA intent to Negotiate
- AFSCME intent to Negotiate
- DSM Dance Party DJ
- Donation: The district gratefully acknowledges the grant of $24,750.00 for Creston Schools Professional Development for Computer Science Instruction the grant was written by Heidi Lumbard through the Iowa Dept. of Education. Additionally, we extend our thanks to the Congregational United Church of Christ for their contribution of $250.00 to children's unpaid lunch balances.
- Volunteers - Classroom: Chelsie Miller.
- Resignations
Communication and reports
- Middle School Principal Downing Report - Culture team meeting update, goals, assessments.
- High School Principal Messerole Report - ISASP Report, Work Based Learning, chronic absenteeism, and Math scores.
- Business Manager Greene’s Report - CFPM December report, and 2025-2026 school budget timeline.
- Superintendent Stender’s Report - The construction of the new Early Childhood Center continues, with monthly meetings held to review progress. Parking and traffic flow were restored over winter break, but construction has been delayed due to steel procurement, pushing the completion date to October. Plans are being developed to minimize the transition impact on students and staff. The district is also considering retaining the current ECC building temporarily. Budget planning for 2025-2026 is underway to address challenges from declining enrollment and rising costs, with an estimated revenue loss of $432,308 and projected cost increases of $983,875. The district is identifying targeted savings of $383,875 and preparing recommendations for potential reductions. The budget is expected to be finalized by April 30, 2025. Additionally, the district is monitoring legislative updates, including the Governor’s proposal for a 2% increase in state aid. Orient-Macksburg held a public hearing regarding district boundary changes, which Creston has objected to, and the final decision rests with the Department of Education. The district is also exploring options for an online learning program in collaboration with Shenandoah and considering an independent model. Community engagement efforts, including monthly coffee meetings, continue to foster positive connections.
- Enrollment and State Aid Overview
- Early Childhood Facility Planning - Tentative Timeline budget and project spending.
- Board Discussion:
Zumbach moved, and James seconded, to approve setting the quotation date for Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment as February 13, 2025, at 2:00 pm. Motion carried 5-0.
Mohr moved, and Snodgrass seconded, to approve the first reading of Policy Primer 33.2. Motion carried 5-0.
Zumbach moved, and Mohr seconded, to adjourn the meeting at 6:18 p.m. Motion carried 5-0.
_______________________________________ ________________________________________
President Secretary
Future meeting in Creston boardroom at 801 N. Elm Street, Creston, unless otherwise noted:
- Monday, February 17, 2025, 5:30 p.m. Regular Board Meeting
- Monday, February 24, 2025, 5:30 p.m. Budget workshop
- Monday, March 24, 2025, 5:30 p.m. Regular Board Meeting (note one week later), First Public Hearing on Certified Budget
- Monday, April 21, 2025, 5:30 p.m. Regular Board Meeting and Second Public Hearing on Certified Budget
- Monday, May 19, 2025, 5:30 p.m. Regular Board Meeting
- Monday, June 16, 2025, 5:30 p.m. Regular Board Meeting
