Government : VSCSD Highlights: January 21, 2026

The Vinton-Shellsburg Community School District Board of Education met Wednesday evening at the Central Office Board room to conduct regular business, recognize staff excellence, and receive updates from across the district as the sexcond semster begins.

Administrative and Director Reports: Administrators from each bilding prepared writtedn updates highlighting student learning, engagement, and operations:

Tilford Elementary reported strong winter assessment growth, improved attendance trends compared to last year, and continued leadership development through the Tilford Leadership Council. PTO events and community support efforts were highlighted, including assistance provided to approximately 145 families during the holiday season.

Shellsburg Elementary shared progress on winter reading and math assessments, upcoming data-driven planning for interventions, and the success of the annual fifth-grade ski trip, which saw record participation. Preschool and kindergarten pre-registration is underway to support planning for next year.

Middle School staff reported completion of FAST testing, early positive results from a new language curriculum, and preparations for semester celebrations and instructional rounds.

High School updates included scheduling for the 2026–2027 school year, improved processes for senior scholarships through Xello, positive trends in chronic absenteeism, continued MTSS work, and strong winter activity participation. Highlights included the appointment of a new girls golf coach, record-setting student athletic achievements, strong event attendance, and upcoming conference and postseason events.

Food Service provided its December 2025 claims report for board review.

Superintendent's Report Dr. Koeppen thanked staff for a strong close to the first semester and outlined upcoming budget preparation work, including attendanceat the Iowa School Finance Budget Workshop. The board will begin budget discussions at its Februar meeting. Additional updates included improvemenbts to senior scholarship application processes and recognition of the high school's Teaching America 250 Award, led by Mrs. Kelly Steffen, which will support an in-depth student learning project tied to the Declaration of Independence and a planned educational trip to the Henry Ford Museum. 

Board Action Items. The Board approved consent items including December financials, contracts and service agreements, personnel changes, open enrollment requests, travel plans, and fundraisers. Financial reports reflected stable and healthy fund balances across district accounts. 

As part of the consent agenda, the board approved:

• Contracts and Quotes, including 2025–2026 interagency agreements for special education instruction with the Benton Community School District; a service agreement with Trane U.S., Inc.for the Tiny Vikes HVAC system; and a contract with ParentSquare for continued use of Remind and district website hosting.

• Personnel actions, including staff transfers, coaching appointments, substitute approvals, and separations. Transfers included Cody Lundry to Tilford Elementary and an hours increase for Brandon Osten at Shellsburg Elementary. Coaching approvals included assistant middle school basketball coaches Joshua Meyer and Aaron Zuspann, and Krystal Talbert as varsity girls golf coach. Several new substitutes were approved across departments, along with noted staff separations.

• Open enrollment requests, including one open enrollment in and two open enrollments out for the upcoming school year.

• Travel requests, including preliminary approval for a high school Spanish trip to Costa Rica in the summer of 2028.

• Fundraisers, including approval of the Future Farmers of America (FFA) Spaghetti Dinner fundraiser.

• Early graduation requests, as presented.

The board also approved an application to the School Budget Review Committee for special education administrative costs related to the Lied Center program, first-reading policy updates, and use of Shellsburg Elementary grounds for the July 4, 2026 fireworks display, which will be fully insured and supported by local emergency services in anticipation of America’s 250th anniversary celebration.

As part of personnel actions, the board approved early separation incentive applications for eligible staff. The following employees were recognized for their years of service and approved for retirement: Nancy Levis, Dale Snap, Lois Martin, Jennifer Janssen, Shelly Williams, and Jeannine Peyton.