Dunkerton Community School
April 16, 2025
Board Meeting 6:00 p.m.
High School Library
https://meet.google.com/wfp-hwnv-yvj?hs=122&authuser=0
Directors: Present: President Kirby Marquart, Kim Fettkether, Dan Knebel, Chad Wolfensperger, Elizabeth Downs
Administration: Present: Superintendent Kory Kelchen, Elementary Principal Patty Foster, Secondary Principal Hannah Corbin.
Absent: None
Board Secretary: Present Lyle McIntosh
Guest:
In Person: Rachel Hauptly, Addi Shaner, Jodi Shaner, Derek Shaner
Online: Nicole LaMarsh, Karly Wlihau, Natalie Crawford, Jill Wurzer, Elizabeth Thurm, Neal Miller, Ashley Hirsch, Sara McIntosh, Kelli Pierce, Jenny Marquart
Public hearing On Calendar:
Moved by Fettkether 2nd by Knebel to open public hearing @ 6:00 p.m. All ayes
Discussed the impacts and findings for the 4 day calendar compared to 5 day calendar.
Moved by Downs 2nd by Fettkether to close hearing @6:10 Pm all ayes
Public Hearing-f FY26 Proposed Budget
Moved by Downs 2nd by Fettkether to Open @ 6:11 p.m. All ayes
No comments
Moved by Downs 2nd by Fettkether to Close @ 6:14 p.m. All ayes
Public Comment: None.
Moved by Wolfensperger, 2nd by Downs to approve the agenda; all ayes.
New Business:
Moved by Wolfensperger, 2nd by Fettkether to approve the Consent Agenda consisting of March, 2025 board Minutes, Bill Listing, Financials, open enrollment and Personnel changes: all ayes
Community/Program presentations: Addi Shaner presented her project that has qualified for Nationals for FCCLA as the top project in her project area. She will be going to Florida in the summer to present and compete nationally
Administrative updates and reports:
Superintendent Kelchen- SSA was set at 2%, Parking lot bids will be ready for the May meeting. District needs to look into what to do with rec field 2 if we are able to move it will make setting up the Disc and Shot put areas for the new track easier.
JH/HS Hannah Corbin-Mr. Knox spent the day with me on April 4, and it was such a positive experience. Students had lots of questions for him, and he truly shined—he’s a people person through and through. He connected with students easily, and it was reassuring to see how well he fit into our building. I feel really good about passing the torch, and it meant a lot to see him interact with both staff and students throughout the day. We held our final PD day of the year this past Monday. High school staff completed ISASP training, prepared testing tickets and snacks, finalized groupings and testing rooms, and discussed the proposed calendar and any questions that came up. As always, we wrapped up with our JH/HS team meeting—a great way to end our professional development together.
The spring musical Cinderella was absolutely adorable. Madeleine Regan and Jada Spooner did a wonderful job directing, and the number of students involved was so exciting to see. Several of them have already approached me about starting fundraising efforts for next year’s musical—they’re serious about putting on another big show, and I love their initiative. Prom was held this weekend, and the students looked amazing and were incredibly well-behaved. While it’s true not a lot of them danced, those who did gave it their all, and others made the best of the night in their own way—including begging Mrs. Kramer to find a deck of cards! From what I’ve heard, After Prom was a huge hit as well. Jon and I have been a bit slower than we’d like with student scheduling this year. The delay in finalizing next year’s calendar and not yet having the master schedule from WCC have definitely impacted our timeline. That said, we’ll have schedules completed within the next couple of weeks—because we really don’t have a choice! There’s a lot coming up in the next few weeks! We’re preparing for Freshman Orientation next week and Senior Awards Night shortly after. This year’s awards night should be a fun one—we’re excited to have the Dunkerton Historical and Tourism Association joining us for the event. At this point in the year, my biggest focus is ensuring a smooth and successful handoff to Mr. Knox. I’m committed to finishing strong and setting him up to lead confidently from day one.
.Elementary Patty Foster- On Monday, we had our last LETRS training with Lexia for the year! Teachers have worked hard and are implementing what they have learned this year. We are looking forward to a few weeks of planning and collaboration without additional PD and reading. 4th and 5th graders will begin their ISASP assessments this week. 3rd grade will complete theirs next week (4/22-4/25). Teachers have spent time over the past few weeks preparing their students with practice tests and student readiness training. Third graders spent last week learning so much at all the different museums and learning spaces at the Waterloo Grout Museum District. They were great representatives of our amazing school and received many compliments from the Museum School staff. Our fifth graders and parents attended Camp EWALU on Friday (4/4). They had a great time despite the chilly and dreary weather! Thank you to our amazing PTO for supporting this annual trip. Teachers will begin their end of year Benchmark and FAST assessments in the next few weeks. We will send Personalized Reading Plans the week of May 12th.
Agenda
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Fy26 Budget Property Tax rate: Moved by Wolfensperger 2nd Fettkether to accept as presented rate of 14.73. All ayes
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Consider the Approval of 2025-26 school calendar: Directors downs and Fettkether asked if the school would consider waiting for a year to move. Director Fettkether asked if there was concern with lost retention of students. Director Downs voiced concern on cost for day care for families. President Marquart stated he does not want to drag it along for a year and that he believes admin is putting the schools best interest first student and staff. It was decided to gather more information and meet in the next couple weeks to vote. Moved by Wolfensperger 2nd Knebel to Table all ayes
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FCCLA Nationals: Moved by Downs 2nd By Wolfensperger to accept as presented. All ayes
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District Career and Academic plan: information only item Mrs corbin went over schools current plan.
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Fy24 Audit: Moved by Fettkether 2nd by Wolfensperger to accept as presented. All ayes
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Consider Change Orders For Track Project: Moved by Knebel 2nd by wolfensperger to accept as presented. All ayes
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Second Budget Public hearing for FY25 budget hearing and Parking lot Bids: Information only item will be scheduled for May meeting
Exempt Session: Moved by Fettkether and 2nd by Downs to enter exempt session under Iowa Code 20.17(3) - Exempt Session for Bargaining Strategy and Negotiations Sessions for Union Employees and Strategy Session for Non-Union Employees. All ayes
Raider Pride: Mr. Brungard was awarded the Gold Star teacher. He is the 5th teacher in our small school to receive the honor.
Adjourn
Moved by Knebel 2nd By Downs to Adjourn At 8:09 p.m. All Ayes
___________________________________
Kirby Marquart, Board President
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Lyle McIntosh, Board Secretary
**These minutes are unofficial until approved at the next board meeting.
