Government : VSCSD School Board Minutes 8/18/25

At last night’s board meeting, all action items were approved. Below is a summary of approvals and reports.

Consent Items Approved

• Agenda & Minutes – Approved as presented.

• Financials & Claims – July ending balance of $10.7M across all funds; General Fund balance $2.48M.

• Contracts & Quotes

  • Pella Roofing – Tilford Gym Roof Rubber Coating – $23,450

  • Logra Learning – Online Spanish Instruction – $12,825

  • Athletic Training Service Rate set at $28/hr (previously $25)

• Personnel

  • Support Staff Hires: Rebecca Schneider (MS Special Education Associate)

  • Coaches: Austin Roberts (9th Grade Boys Basketball)

  • Transfers: Tina Clapp (Preschool Associate, Shellsburg), Tammi Griffith (Head MS Volleyball), Lisa Tomlin (SE Associate, Shellsburg)

  • Contract Modification: Jodi Hacker (Home School teaching contract increased to 1.0 FTE)

  • Separations: Katy Gustafson (SE Associate, effective Oct. 3), Brian Sheston (Asst. Weight Room Supervisor), Rich Haisman (Varsity Girls Basketball)

  • Lane Changes: 11 staff approved

  • 2025–26 Substitute List: Approved

• Open Enrollment – Several requests approved and denials recommended in alignment with board policy.

• Fundraisers

  • MS McTeacher Night – Oct. 8, 2025 (Vinton McDonald’s)

  • Post Prom Bake Sales & Basketball Half-Court Shot contest

• Disposals

  • Outdated HS English/Language Arts textbooks

  • MS conference table

  • HS maintenance metal cabinet

  • Ramp trailer (trade/sell for safer tilt trailer)

Other Action Items Approved

• Transportation – Two new 5th-grade bus routes will be added. These adjustments are designed to shorten bus ride times, eliminate the after-school transfer, and push back pick-up times for students. The changes will improve safety and better support families with students traveling between the Vinton and Shellsburg areas.

• IASB Policy Primer (2nd Reading) – Updates and additions approved, including:

  • Anti-Bullying/Anti-Harassment definitions

  • Open Meetings training for new board members

  • Updates to child abuse reporting & student abuse investigations

  • Revised policies on compulsory attendance, chronic absenteeism, graduation requirements, student health & immunization, and health education

  • New optional School Safety Assessment Team policy

Presentations & Reports

• Activities Director Presentation – New Activities Director, Aric Chvala, shared participation numbers and highlighted recent successes across athletics and activities.

• Administrator Reports – Updates included:

  • High school focus on standards-based grading, ACT scores above national averages, and summer learning programs.

  • Middle school staff trained in crisis prevention, with new outdoor recreation areas ready for students.

  • Elementary reported section sizes, staff advancement through alternative teacher preparation, and planning for new state math proficiency requirements.

• Superintendent Report – Reviewed enrollment for 2025–26 stands at 1,570 students currently in ALMA (+180 Home School students). Staff professional learning and back-to-school events were outlined, and all buildings are ready to welcome students next week.

The next regular board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, September 17, 2025 6:00 PM