CENTRAL SPRINGS SCHOOL BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING MINUTES – April 20, 2026.
The Regular Board Meeting of the Central Springs Community School Board was held on April 20, 2026, in the High
School Library in Manly. The meeting was called to order at 6:11 p.m. by Board President Jean Schilling. Board members
present included Sean Arthur, Joe Rowe, Josh Berman, and Ashley Kohler.
Also in attendance were Superintendent Grinhaug, Ken Estes, Bill Shafer, Amy Fessler, Kelli Mitchell, Gigett Veech,
Sandra Scholbrock, Crystal Brower, April Dodd, Natalie Leewright, Josh Bass, Kade Tabbert, Patrick Haas, Bryce Barker,
and Board Secretary Jackie Dalluge were present. Chris Arians, Barb Shafer, Deb Hamand, Katie Kruger, Jereme Baldus
and Van Mitchell from the Nora Springs Rock Falls Register participated via Google Meet.
Motion was made by Rowe and seconded by Kohler to approve the agenda as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
Administrative Reports were heard from Board President Jean Schilling who shared an update from the previous board
meeting regarding RRMR, noting that at this time there will be no sharing of operations between the districts for next year.
She also mentioned it was great to see our Senior Class with Representative Jane Bloomingdale in the Capitol. Mrs.
Brunsvold reported that ISASP testing has been going well, with strong effort from students, and that additional spring
FAST assessments are planned for May alongside ongoing LETRS professional development. She highlighted strong
student and family engagement through well-attended events such as preschool/kindergarten open houses, Preschool
Prom, upcoming field trips, and the new Camp Skeeter event bringing both campuses together. Mr. Hoffman reported a
strong 99% pass rate for grades 4–8 in the third quarter and highlighted student engagement through events like the
spring band and vocal concert. He outlined upcoming transition activities, including 8th Grade Transition Day at the high
school and Step-Up Day for grades 4–7, along with 3rd graders visiting the intermediate campus to prepare for next year.
He also noted that required safety drills have been completed, instructional walkthroughs are helping shape future
professional development, and staff evaluations continue to support teacher growth. Mr. Estes reported on ongoing efforts
to evaluate the high school cell phone policy through national research and he had students speak to their positive
reactions on the cell phone use policy, as well as continued focus on improving instruction through professional
development centered on student engagement. He highlighted strong student involvement in academics and activities,
including band, FFA, National Honor Society, and Student Council events, along with upcoming initiatives like Community
Service Day and Prom. He also shared athletic accomplishments and noted continued opportunities for students to
compete and represent the district at state and national levels. Mr. Grinhaug noted the arrival of a new bus, ongoing radio
installation, and continued issues with stop signs in Nora Springs due to wind and damage. He also shared updated fleet
mileage changes, upcoming campus weed treatment, and reviewed legislative updates that could significantly impact
district funding and property tax authority. Additional updates included strong district investment earnings, high staff
visibility and engagement across campuses and communities, progress on the facilities plan and HVAC discussions, and
continued efforts to improve system efficiency in multiple operational areas.
For Consent Agenda, motion was made by Berman and seconded by Arthur to approve the minutes from the Regular
Board meeting on March 23, 2026, Public Hearing on March 23, 2026, and the minutes from the Special Meeting on
March 30, 2026. Employee Contracts for Justin Heimer; Head Wrestling Coach, Brandon Rottinghaus; Volunteer Golf
Coach, Steve Matzen; Volunteer Softball Coach, Chelsey Angelo; Daycare Closer. Employee Contract Adjustments for
Holly Shook; Title One Coordinator. Employee Resignations for Justin Heimer; MS Wrestling Coach, Amanda White;
Head Cook Nora Springs, Bridget Barker; Cheer Coach. Open Enrollment of four into the district and five leaving the
district. Motion carried unanimously.
Old business regarding HVAC at both campuses was discussed, as we are waiting on receiving the energy consumption
estimates. The board also discussed items from the facilities committee work session on April 8, 2026, and how projects
could fit into different phases over the next 10 years.
New Business information
A motion was made by Rowe and seconded by Kohler to approve the Standard Policy Review of 803.1, 803.2, 804.1,
804.2, 804.4, 804.5, 804.6, 804.6R1, 804.7, 804.7R1 Motion carried unanimously.
A motion was made by Berman and seconded by Arthur to approve the first reading of Policy 706.1, which changes the
payroll schedule from twice per month to once per month. The policy states: “The payroll period for the school district is
monthly. Employees are paid on the 10th of each month. If this day falls on a holiday, recess, or weekend, payroll will be
issued on the last working day prior to the holiday, recess, or weekend.” Roll call vote was had. Schilling-Aye, Rowe-Aye,
Berman-Aye, Arthur-Aye, Kohler-Nay. Motion passed.
Motion was made by Kohler and seconded by Rowe to approve the quote to Blumm in the amount of $36,612.81 for updates in the Auditorium. Motion carried unanimously.
Amy Fessler and Kelli Mitchell presented the District Career and Academic Plan, outlining its goals to support student
readiness for postsecondary education and careers through individualized academic pathways. They also reviewed
implementation steps, including course planning support and career exploration opportunities across grade levels.
Motion was made by Arthur and seconded by Kohler to approve the change for the preschool start date for the 2026-2027
school year. This changes the preschool start date from September 10th to September 3rd. Motion approved
unanimously.
Motion was made by Arthur and seconded by Rowe to approve the increase to the excess liability coverage from $10
million to $15 million. Motion carried unanimously.
Motion was made by Kohler and seconded by Arthur to approve posting the Summer School position internally. It was
noted that 19 students are currently identified as benefiting from the program. Motion carried unanimously.
Motion was made by Rowe and seconded by Arthur to approve the quote from Epic for new furniture for the space outside
the main gym at the Manly Campus in the amount of $37,821.72. Motion carried unanimously.
Motion made by Arthur and seconded by Kohler to approve the quote from Paint Pros in the amount of $12,994.50 to
paint the Nora Springs main gym walls, with the mascot murals remaining in place. Motion carried unanimously.
Motion was made by Arthur and seconded by Berman to receive sealed bids for the 2006 Blue Bird School Bus with
159,000+ miles. It was noted that the bus is worth between $700-$800 if we sell it for scrap. Bids will be opened at the
May 18th board meeting in Nora Springs and sold to the highest bidder. In the event that no bids being received meet the
$700 minimum the district will scrap the vehicle. Motion carried unanimously.
Superintendent Grinhaug passed out Leadership for Student Learning to the board members; these were sent to the
district by the Iowa Association of School Boards. The book highlights the connection between effective governance and
improved student outcomes.
Information was shared regarding staff members making up the December 10th snow day. Staff will work on May 29th,
with lunch being provided by board members and staff being released at noon. It was also noted that staff with prior
commitments on that date may arrange an individualized plan with their administrator.
Motion was made by Kohler and seconded by Arthur to approve the 2026-2027 Budget Adjustment Resolution. Motion
carried unanimously.
Motion was made by Kohler and seconded by Rowe to approve the FY25 Audit report. Motion carried unanimously.
Motion was made by Rowe and seconded by Kohler to approve the Amendment to the 2025-2026 budget. Motion carried
unanimously.
Motion was made by Berman and seconded by Kohler to approve the 2026-2027 Budget.
Motion was made by Kohler and seconded by Berman to approve the financial statements as presented. Motion carried
unanimously.
Motion as made by Kohler and seconded by Arthur to approve the board bills presented in the amount of: General -
$162,689.32, MANAGEMENT - $0.00 SAVE- $23,047.46, PPEL - $163,829.24, Activity - $14,043.95, Nutrition -
$36,475.57. Motion carried unanimously.
Suggestions for May 18, 2026 Board Meeting are to follow up on the HVAC & facilities assessment, roof rotation and
legislative updates.
Motion was made by Kohler and seconded by Arthur to go into closed session.
The Central Springs Board of Education went into closed session to evaluate the superintendent pursuant to Iowa Code
21.5(1)(i). The board exited the closed session at 8:24 p.m.
Motion was made by Kohler and seconded by Rowe to come out of closed session.
Motion was made by Arthur and seconded Kohler to go into Exempt Session.
Under Iowa Code 20.17(3) the board will go into an exempt session to discuss negotiations, strategy meetings of public
employees or employee organizations, mediation and the deliberative process of arbitration.
Motion was made by Rowe and seconded by Berman to come out of the exempt session at 9:50 p.m.
Motion was made by Arthur and seconded by Kohler to adjourn the meeting.
President Schilling adjourned the meeting at 9:50 p.m.
Our next board meeting will be held on May 18, 2026 in the Middle School Library in Nora Springs beginning at 6:00 p.m.
_________________________________ ______________________________
Jean Schilling, Board President Jackie Dalluge, Board Secretary
