Government : Vinton-Shellsburg School Board Holds Budget Hearing and Regular March Meeting

Sonia Schminke was honored with the district's Positive Difference Maker Award

The Vinton-Shellsburg Community School District Board of Education met Monday evening, beginning with the required public hearing on the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget, as mandated by Iowa Code 24.2A.

Superintendent Dr. Kyle Koeppen provided an overview of the proposed budget, highlighting a continued effort to balance fiscal responsibility with meeting district needs. The proposed tax levy rate is $14.879 per $1,000 of taxable valuation, a decrease from the current year's rate of $15.10. This represents a 23-cent reduction in the mill rate, along with a 1% decrease in the income surtax.

Dr. Koeppen noted the district will continue utilizing key funding mechanisms similar to the current year, including:

• Instructional Support Levy at 10% of the regular program cost, partially funded through a 2% income surtax
• Cash reserve levy of $450,000 to address open enrollment out costs and prior special education deficits, with a total cash reserve of $1,266,526
• Management Levy of $1.2 million
• Voter-approved Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (PPEL) at $1.34, supported in part by a 1% income surtax
• Board-approved PPEL at $0.33

Historical data shared during the hearing showed the district's proposed levy rate would be among the lowest in more than a decade, while maintaining steady growth in property valuation.

Following the budget hearing, the board moved into its regular March meeting.

As part of the evening's recognitions, Sonia Schminke was honored with the district's Positive Difference Maker Award. Schminke was recognized for her consistent kindness, student-centered approach, and willingness to go above and beyond. One recent example included assisting a student during a family medical emergency, ensuring both the student's safety and support during a difficult situation.

Administrators provided updates across the district. At the high school, ACT testing was successfully completed, and 24 students were recently inducted into the National Honor Society. Preparations are underway for prom at Kacena Farms on April 11, and spring activities are in full swing with increased participation numbers.

Middle school leadership reported strong turnout at recent band and choir concerts, as well as high participation in track, with 128 students involved. Elementary principals highlighted successful parent-teacher conferences, with participation rates reaching 97% at Tilford Elementary and 95% at Shellsburg Elementary.

The board approved a series of consent agenda items, including financial reports, contracts, personnel changes, and open enrollment requests. Monthly financials showed stable fund balances, with minor fluctuations typical for this time of year.

Additional business included:

• Approval of several contracts, including safety software, nursing services, and technology upgrades supported through federal E-rate funding

• The board approved several personnel items as part of the consent agenda:

  Certified Staff:

  • Abigail Johnson - Tilford Elementary Music Teacher
  • Chloe Schultz - Middle School Music Teacher
  • Emily Hanson - Teacher Leadership Committee

  Coaches:

  • Alexa Francois - Head 7th Grade Boys Track Coach
  • Becky Lutgen - Head 7th Grade Girls Track Coach
  • Brandon Farmer - Assistant Varsity Boys Soccer Coach
  • The board also approved the addition of a LEGO League sponsor position, with Laurie Donald appointed to the role.

  Volunteer Coaches:

  • Ricky Jeray - Track
  • Heidi Primrose - Track

  Separations:

  • Carley Beck - Head Middle School Girls Track Coach
  • Karla Staveley - Part-time Food Service (Shellsburg Elementary)
  • Alexandra Oleson - 5th Grade Teacher (Shellsburg Elementary)
  • Marissa Heth - Elementary Instructional Coach
  • Nate Hansen - Varsity Boys Wrestling Coach
  • Adam Fish - Varsity Girls Basketball Coach

  Transfers:

  • Peyton Pffifner - Shellsburg 3rd Grade Teacher
  • Emily Knudtson - Shellsburg Kindergarten Teacher

  Substitute Authorization:

  • Elizabeth Tatman - Teacher
• Approval of fundraising requests from multiple student activity groups
• A public hearing and subsequent approval of the 2026-2027 school calendar, which includes 180 days and over 1,130 instructional hours, exceeding state requirements, allowing for built-in weather disruptions.

The board also conducted its annual policy review and set the next meeting date for Wednesday, April 22, at 6:00 PM, which will include the second budget hearing.

The meeting concluded with the board entering into an exempt session to discuss employee contract strategies, as allowed by Iowa Code 21.9, before adjourning for the evening.