Dunkerton Community School
March 24, 2025
Board Meeting 6:15 p.m.
High School Library
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: Luke Hirsch, Ashley Hirsch, Grant Weaver
Online: Abbey Bumsted, Pamela wright, Alexieva Speer, Valerie McGrane, Sara McIntosh, Natalie Crawford
Meeting Called to Order At 6:15 p.m.
Public Comment: None.
Moved by Fettkether, 2nd by Wolfensperger to approve the agenda; all ayes.
New Business:
Moved by Knebel, 2nd by Fettkether to approve the Consent Agenda consisting of February, 2025 board Minutes, Bill Listing, Financials, open enrollment and Personnel changes: all ayes
Community/Program presentations: None
Administrative updates and reports:
Superintendent Kelchen- SSA has been very quiet after good initial discussion in the house and senate hopefully will be set shortly to help with knowing some of our final budget numbers. Property tax reform has been on the legislature docket. This seems to have slowed for this year so hopefully will lead to SSA being passed. Part of that reform may put limits on levying the management fund only allowing for levying if you are below the 180% threshold of your yearly management expense. In holding pattern to see if this works way through this year or moves out to the 2026 legislative session. Cell Phone bill is most likely happening. We will just have to see if our current pockets used for cell phones meet the standards set by the bill to assure the safety of the phones when turned in.
JH/HS Hannah Corbin- This month has included many 1-on-1 conversations with both high school and junior high students. A key focus of these meetings has been preparing for the upcoming ISASP assessments, with conversations centered on how students can meet or grow in their performance. At the high school level, we’ve also been reviewing credit audits and exploring potential schedules for next year. While we’ve temporarily held off on finalizing schedules as we await our 5 day school week decision. The weekend of the 28th marks the performance of our spring musical Cinderella. The students have been working hard and are excited to bring their talents to the stage. It’s sure to be a great show. Last week’s Jr. High concerts were a standout moment. The band and chair both delivered strong performances with several beautiful solos. The feedback from families and community members has been overwhelmingly positive. It was a great evening of music and student pride. We’re heading into the home stretch with a packed calendar of events including, Prom, Freshman Orientation, RHS induction, Senior Awards night, Graduation, plus ongoing track/golf meets, concerts and scheduling efforts.
Elementary Patty Foster- Our last day of Lexia LETRS training for the year will be April 14th. Our teachers have done a great job learning together and implementing their new learning with their students. Teachers completed the necessary security training for ISASP administration and will begin focusing on goal setting, test taking strategies, and practice tests prior to April 15th. Mrs. Wurzer will focus on navigating the testing platform, especially for our 3rd grade students who are new to these assessments. Our Literacy Night was a huge success! Students enjoyed visiting with author Charlotte Gunnufson during the day and had lots of great questions for her. We enjoyed an evening filled with literacy activities. Presentation, and food! A big thank you goes to our amazing PTO for supplying cupcakes for everyone, the Community Involvement Committee for organizing the event and our rock star teachers for sharing fun and engaging activities with families. We have lots happening in our last two months of school. 5th grade EWALU, 3rd grade Museum school, Kdg/1st/2nd to Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Art Center, ISASP, Lunch on the Lawn, Learning Walks and Student Solutions Meetings.
Agenda
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Budget/Property Tax Discussion: Mr. Kelchen presented the current, Proposed, if SSA was 2.25% and if SSA was 2% and management funds levied was reduced to $200,000 as examples of possibilities as we finish up FY26 budgeting in April. This was an FYI for the board and Community
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Consider Approval of LGRP Agreement: Moved by Wolfensperger 2nd by Fettkether to accept as presented All Ayes
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Consider Budget Guarantee Resolution; Moved by Wolfensperger 2nd Knebel to accept as presented All ayes
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Consider the Approval of 28E agreement with Waterloo Schools: Moved by Fettkether 2nd by Knebel to accept as presented All Ayes
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Consider sending out parking lot bids through Fahr Grahm: All board members present voiced concern with making sure we had funds at a healthy amount with the finishing of the track project. Mr. Kelchen went over the predicted PPEL/SAVE totals after track completion. Directors felt more comfortable after seeing the project fund totals and agree it is a large safety improvement for our students to get them away from the west parking lot that requires crossing the road. It was Moved by Knebel 2nd by Wolfensperger to send out a bid for the paving of the southeast portion of the grounds for a new student parking lot. All Ayes
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Calendar Discussion: Mr. Kelchen showed the results of survey with staff excluded 138 non staff parents responded with majority still in favor of going to 4 day. A lot more questions were submitted this time around. The big one being day care and before and after care. School is looking into options to see what they are able to do to help with this through the school. Final decision will be made at the April meeting on the 25/26 calendar.
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Second Budget Public hearing date set for April 16th @ 6:00
Raider Pride: Mr. Kelchen congratulated Girls Basketball on making state and all the basketball teams on successful seasons and all the post season awards. Director Knebel let all know that basketball player Dylan Marquart was one of only a handful of kids in the state of Iowa to be selected to the Pizza Ranch All Star Game.
Adjourn
Moved by Knebel 2nd By Wolfensperger to Adjourn At 7:32 p.m. All Ayes
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Kirby Marquart, Board President
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Lyle McIntosh, Board Secretary
**These minutes are unofficial until approved at the next board meeting.
