VINTON — At its April meeting, the Vinton-Shellsburg Community School District Board of Directors approved several key items in preparation for the 2025-2026 school year, including a new elementary literacy curriculum and personnel changes. Superintendent Kyle Koeppen also provided updates on negotiations, scholarships, and upcoming public forums on facility improvements.
Principals from all district buildings submitted written reports covering topics such as spring assessments, graduation planning, staffing updates, and preparation for the upcoming school year. Grounds Director Garrett Wittmer reported on athletic field maintenance and ongoing work at the softball complex.
The board approved the Elementary Literacy Committee’s recommendation to adopt the CKLA Amplify curriculum for grades K–5 beginning next fall. Principals Andrea Townsley and Ryan Davis, along with teachers Emily Hanson and Sara Sellers, answered board questions during the presentation.
Personnel changes included several new hires, staff separations, and position transfers. Notably, Drew Sallee was approved as a new bus driver and maintenance worker, and Peyton Pfiffner will join Tilford Elementary as a third-grade teacher. The board also approved the annual health insurance renewals with Wellmark and Delta Dental.
Other approved items included a roofing bid from Pella Roofing for work on the middle school, disposal of outdated equipment, and an extension of a tower lease agreement. Open enrollment policy updates and numerous board policy revisions received their first readings.
Koeppen shared survey data regarding district facility needs and proposed next steps, including posting results online, creating an FAQ, and hosting two community forums. Those forums are scheduled for Sunday, May 4 at Shellsburg Elementary and Monday, May 12 at Vinton-Shellsburg Middle School, 6:00 p.m. start for both evenings.
The board also ratified the negotiated agreement with the Vinton-Shellsburg Education Association and authorized contracts to be sent to certified and non-certified staff later this week.
In recognition of service, Koeppen read a proclamation naming May as School Board Appreciation Month, and Board President Tom Burke announced May 5–9 as Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week. Plans include local restaurants providing lunch for staff during the celebration.