News : Summary of November 24 School Board Meeting

Darin Humiston recognized for four years of service

The meeting opened with roll call and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a review of the School Perceptions survey. The Board discussed feedback submitted by families and staff, with particular attention to overall district performance and perspectives on the potential elementary grade alignment between Tilford and Shellsburg. This discussion served as a first step in analyzing the data and determining next steps for continued community engagement.

The Board then reviewed the official canvas of votes from the Benton County Supervisors for the recent school board election. As part of unfinished business, the Board examined the district’s fiscal standing and approved payment of claims. The audit from November 11 confirmed the district is financially sound and recommended several improvements related to coding prepaid expenses, capital account reconciliation, and bank reconciliation checks. October financials showed strong fund balances across district accounts.

A series of District policies received their second reading, including updates related to Title IX procedures, emergency drills, substance use terminology, and care and disposal of district records. Administrative updates were also made to policies reflecting changes in legal citations.

The Board recognized Darin Humiston for his four years of dedicated service before officially adjourning the retiring board. Darin provided steady leadership throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and supported several major district initiatives, including the Middle School HVAC renovation, expansion of preschool and childcare, installation of the high school solar array, curriculum adoptions, MTSS investments, safety projects, and improved access to technology.

Following adjournment, newly elected members Jennifer Birker, Kim Schirm, and Rachel Wayson took the oath of office. The Board elected officers, Tom Burke and Jake Fish, will continue in their current President and Vice President roles, respectively. The board also appointed the board secretary and treasurer (Crystal Coder), set its meeting schedule for 2026, and reaffirmed legal counsel (Ahlers & Cooney). Annual appointments were also made for committee assignments, truant officers, the district’s asbestos coordinator, official depositories, and the district’s publication.

Administrator reports followed. Building and Grounds shared updates on winterization and recent mechanical repairs. The High School report highlighted academic and intervention work tied to ESSA requirements, attendance data, parent-teacher conference participation, and upcoming scheduling work with Alma. The Middle School shared updates on parent-teacher conferences, active threat drills, and professional development focused on Universal Design for Learning. Tilford and Shellsburg Elementary reported strong conference turnout, ongoing Data Teams work, positive PBIS survey results, and the successful instructional rounds at Tilford.

In the Superintendent’s Report, updates were provided on the Veterans Day assembly, districtwide active threat drills, the College & Career Fair, and mock trial preparations. The district continues progressing through ESSA requirements, including the recent Resource Allocation Review and upcoming IDEA-DA review in December. I also shared that I was elected to represent the region on the Grant Wood AEA Board. Upcoming dates were noted, including Thanksgiving break, the December 10 Teacher Quality meeting, and the next regular board meeting on December 15.

During General Business, the Board approved contracts, personnel actions, open enrollment requests, and several fundraisers. Disposal requests for outdated equipment and a request for early graduation from three students were approved. The Board held the required public hearing on the flexibility account transfer and reviewed the application for allowable growth for open enrollment and ELL instruction. The Board also completed its ballot for the Grant Wood AEA Board election.

Personnel Items Approved

Support Staff: Sydney Corcran – Hired as Building Secretary at Tilford Elementary.

Certified Staff: Emily Knudtson – Hired as Preschool Teacher at Shellsburg Elementary.

Coaching Assignments: Justin Nosbisch – Assistant Varsity Girls Basketball Coach. Elizabeth Stambaugh – Varsity Boys Swimming Coach.

Volunteer Coach: Addy Phippen – Volunteer Girls Soccer Coach.

Substitutes: Emma Harmon – Substitute Teacher, Thereasa Moore – Substitute Associate, Olivia Primrose – Substitute Associate, Alissa Ostrom – Substitute Associate, Nancy Jorgensen – Substitute Teacher

Separations: Kim Murray – Preschool Teacher at Shellsburg Elementary, Diane Wachal – Food Service, Shellsburg Elementary, Kurt Kirchner – Bowling Coach

Contracts/Bids Approved

Behavior Moxie, LLC
Independent consulting services providing practical behavioral support for educators and students.

Center Point–Urbana CSD
Special Education Instructional Agreement for the 2025–2026 school year.

Independence CSD
Special Education Instructional Agreement for the 2025–2026 school year.

Luther College – MOU
Agreement to host Luther College students for field experiences or student teaching.

Northwestern College – MOU
Agreement to host Northwestern College education students.

Vinton Braille School, LLC – Pool Lease
Lease agreement for the use of the pool facility.

Kacena Farms – Venue Rental
Facility rental agreement for Prom

Rochester Ford
Purchase of a 2024 Transit T350 Mid Roof AWD 12-passenger van, including an $8,000 trade-in credit (Trading Red Van).

Johnson Controls – Service Proposal
Planned 3-year HVAC service agreement (Feb. 1, 2026–Jan. 31, 2029).

School Bus Sales
Purchase of a used 2022 Blue Bird 84-passenger bus for $135,000.