News : Vinton-Shellsburg School Board Meeting Summary – October 20, 2025

Shelley Hasiman and Erica Sparks recognized for their quick action during a lunch break assisting a student

The Vinton-Shellsburg Board of Education met on Monday, October 20, at Central Office. All board members were present, with Director Darin Humiston joining via Zoom.

President Tom Burke addressed the accident that happened on October 17th and offered condolences on behalf of the board.

Honoring Difference Makers: The board recognized Tilford Elementary teachers Shelley Hasiman and Erica Sparks as Difference Makers for their quick actions when a student began choking during lunch. Shelley performed the Heimlich Maneuver to prevent the child from choking, and Erica supported the other students to remain calm. Their calm and immediate response prevented a serious emergency and reflected the care and dedication they show students every day.

Reports

• Food Service: The district received over $93,000 in September meal reimbursements.

• High School: Principal Matt Kingsbury highlighted the PSAT administration, upcoming career and college fair, Veterans Day Assembly (Nov. 11), and continued work on instructional goals tied to Universal Design for Learning.

• Middle School: Principal Alexa Francois shared that fall sports have concluded, winter sports begin in early November, and the McDonald’s fundraiser raised $1,418 to support the Vike Store. MTSS and PBIS supports are fully underway.

• Elementary Schools: Tilford Principal Andrea Townsley reported strong literacy and math growth from last fall, with attendance averaging 95–97%. Teachers are focused on the new CKLA curriculum and WIN-time supports. Shellsburg Principal Ryan Davis shared positive feedback on the CKLA curriculum and expressed appreciation for staff care and responsiveness following the October 17 bus accident.

• Superintendent Report: Superintendent Kyle Koeppen noted that certified enrollment shows a small decrease from last year, primarily due to families enrolling in charter schools. He also commended staff and first responders for their support during the recent bus incident and highlighted strong staff participation in Homecoming activities and instructional rounds at the middle school.

• Board Report: Board members Kim Schirm and Becky Williams shared feedback from recent community meetings regarding potential facility and grade-alignment changes, and President Tom Burke thanked district leaders for their continued work and communication.

Consent Items Approved

Agenda and Minutes: Previous meeting minutes and current agenda were approved as presented.

Financials and Claims: District finances remain stable across all funds for September 2025.

• General Fund: Began at $1,323,013 → Ended at $1,748,639

• Management Fund: $307,903

• Student Activity Fund: $441,768

• Nutrition Fund: $422,133

• PPEL Fund: $2,778,596

• SAVE Fund: $3,688,981

• Debt Service Fund: $137,488

• Health Fund: $729,680

• Flex Spending Account: $18,382
  Total Balances: $10,313,906 (as of Sept. 30, 2025)
  All accounts are in balance and in good standing.

Contracts and Agreements

• Waverly-Shell Rock Lied Center – Inter-Agency Contract for Regular/Special Education (2025-26)

• Tanager – Contract for school-based services

• Frontline – Contract for student health module and SIS integration

• Independence Community School District – Inter-Agency Agreement for Special Education (2025-26)

Personnel
Coaches: Adam Fish – Varsity Girls Basketball Coach

Transfers: Zadie Dague – High School Special Education Associate → Middle School Special Education Associate

Contract Modification: Heather Egger – Increase in daily bus route hours

Substitutes: Gregory Svoboda – Bus Driver, Todd Frank – Teacher, Ciera Simpson – Associate, Kallea Christy – Associate/Teacher (upon BOEE Sub Authorization), Derek Sennett – Custodian

Separations: Kiley Rusk – Tilford Elementary Secretary, Janet Woodhouse – Girls Golf Coach, Kyle McAbee – Varsity Boys Soccer Coach, Daniel Larson – Middle School Track Coach

Teacher Leadership Mentor Stipends: Sara Romman, Sarah Sutton, Lisa O’Brien, Gabby Power, Carrie Weber

Disposals: Approval to dispose of outdated and low-circulation books from the Shellsburg Elementary Library (in poor condition or unused by staff). Books will be offered to teachers and families before removal.

Fundraiser - High School Wrestling: Approved to hold the annual Meat Raffle fundraiser again this year.

Policy updates were approved in the 500-series and reviewed in the 200, 400, 500, and 700 series to remain current with state and IASB guidance.