Government : Vinton-Shellsburg April School Board Meeting Recap

The Vinton Shellsburg Community School District Board of Directors met Wednesday evening, April 22nd, for its regular meeting, which included a public hearing on the fiscal year 2027 budget, a review of district operations, personnel actions, and approval of multiple contracts, policies, and financial items. All agenda items were approved.

A public hearing was held on the proposed fiscal year 2027 property tax levy as required under Iowa law. The superintendent provided an overview of the budget, noting a proposed levy rate of 14.879 dollars per thousand dollars of taxable valuation. This represents a reduction from the current rate of 15.10 dollars and reflects both a decrease in the mill rate and a reduction in the income surtax. The budget continues the district’s use of instructional support levy funds, cash reserve levy funding, and management levy funding to support operations, transportation needs, and special education obligations. Following the hearing, the board approved the adoption of the fiscal year 2027 budget and tax levy rate.

Administrators from across the district provided reports highlighting ongoing activities and accomplishments. The high school report included upcoming senior events such as awards night, graduation practice, and commencement. It also noted instructional time audit results and updates on student participation in the Iowa FFA State Convention, where students earned multiple recognitions and awards. The middle school report included updates on state assessments, student incentives for attendance, and transition activities for incoming students. Elementary principals shared updates on spring performances, assessment windows, staffing plans, and upcoming field experiences and student learning activities. The superintendent reported on districtwide progress, legislative updates affecting schools, and a busy calendar of end of year events and celebrations.

The board approved a range of consent agenda items, including financial reports and claims totaling 708,980 dollars for the month. The treasurer’s report showed continued financial stability with district fund balances remaining strong across major accounts. Several contracts were approved, including HVAC upgrades, auditorium technology and lighting improvements, student teaching agreements, transportation and staffing contracts, and community event services.

Personnel actions approved by the board included the following:

• New hires include Lance Summy as a route driver for the 2026 to 2027 school year and Chayse Schultz as a 5th grade teacher at Shellsburg Elementary.
• Summer Middle School Band Lessons will again be provided by Justin Hughes, who will work with middle school students.
• Coaching appointments were approved for both the 2025 to 2026 and 2026 to 2027 school years. Whitney Bowen will serve as assistant middle school track coach and Trevor Rial will serve as assistant high school baseball coach pending certification. For 2026 to 2027, PJ Mouton was approved as head varsity girls basketball coach and Michael Schwan as head varsity wrestling coach. Volunteers for 2026 football include Noah (Tono) Cornell and Kyle Lynch.
• Several staff transfers were approved. For 2025 to 2026, April Hummel will move from head secretary at Tilford Elementary to payroll and benefits specialist at the central office, Brandon Osten will move from part time cook and substitute custodian to full time custodian at Shellsburg Elementary, and Lauren Wittmer will transfer from head secretary at Shellsburg Elementary to head secretary at Tilford Elementary. For 2026 to 2027, Emily Knudtson will move from preschool teacher to kindergarten teacher at Shellsburg Elementary, Megan Roudabush will move from Tilford first grade teacher to Shellsburg preschool teacher, and Randy Williams will move from route driver to special education driver.
• Teacher leaders for the 2026 to 2027 school year were also approved as presented.
• Lori Werning was approved as a substitute secretary.
• Separations at the end of the 2025 to 2026 school year include Megan Hesson, high school science and math teacher, Andrew Roete, high school industrial technology teacher, and Shirley Bitz, Tilford Elementary food service.

The board also approved open enrollment requests for the 2026 to 2027 school year, including both exiting and entering students, and approved disposal of outdated athletic and music equipment. Additional approvals included bids for student technology replacement devices and a major weight room equipment upgrade supported in part by the Vinton Shellsburg Sports Boosters. The district also approved health, dental, and vision insurance renewals for employees, maintaining coverage options through Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Delta Dental, and Avēsis.

The board completed the second reading and approval of updated district policies, including annual review policies and revisions aligned with current state and federal guidance. Updates included changes related to equal educational opportunity, grievance procedures, civil rights compliance, nepotism, nutrition program requirements, and class size guidance.

The meeting concluded with proclamations recognizing May as School Board Appreciation Month and Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week, honoring the service and dedication of district board members, educators, and staff. With all business items approved, the meeting adjourned following a final opportunity for public comment.