CLAYTON RIDGE COMMUNITY SCHOOL
BOARD OF DIRECTORS REGULAR MEETING
May 13, 2026
A Board appreciation meal was held at 5:00 PM in the Elementary Multi-Purpose room. Board Members present were Mike Finnegan, Sam Brandt, Ellen Johnson, and Dan Kregel.
The Clayton Ridge Board of Directors held their regular monthly meeting on May 13, 2026 in the Elementary School Library, Garnavillo.
Call to Order/Roll Call
Vice President Mike Finnegan called the meeting to order at 5:30 PM. Other members in attendance were Sam Brandt, Ellen Johnson, and Dan Kregel. Jessica Bittner, Shelly Mommer, and TJ Pierce were absent.
Also in attendance were Superintendent Shane Wahls, Principal Laura Bilden, Principal Terri Thompson, Dean of Students Wade Marlow, Director of Special Education / Student Services Hud Johnston, IAVA Head of Schools Steve Hoff, and Board Secretary Logan Taylor.
There were 17 employees and guests present.
Welcome & Public Forum
Public comment was given by 1 community member.
Approval of Agenda
Item 1. Employment was amended to add resignations for Elementary Teachers’ Associate, Assistant Soccer Coach, Co-Director – 6-12 Play, and Co-Director – Spring Follies. Motion by Kregel and second by Brandt to approve the agenda as amended. Motion carried unanimously.
Reports / Communication
Russ Reiter with Denovo Construction Solutions gave a presentation on completing a District wide facilities assessment.
Bill Robinson shared information regarding a potential Elementary lower playground project with the City of Garnavillo.
Julie Hansel and Michelle Scott reported on the proposed 2026-27 HS District Career & Academic Plan (DCAP) and Xello software.
Tadd Schutte gave a presentation on the Youth track fundraiser and provided MS Gym updates.
Laurie Smith and Wade Marlow provided Eagle Center updates for the therapeutic / alternative school programs.
Ashley Hess gave a presentation on MS Science Curriculum.
Jana Kregel gave a presentation on MS/HS interventions, co-teaching, curriculum, and project development.
Wahls provided District scheduling updates, discussed the upcoming Voted Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (VPPEL) ballot item at the September Special School Election, and gave a reminder of the upcoming FY26 Budget Amendment public hearing on May 27, 2026.
Bilden provided Elementary testing updates and shared information regarding 5th grade graduation.
Johnston reported on Elementary attendance and referral data.
Marlow provided 6-12 absenteeism updates and shared trends and most common attendance issues.
Hoff presented on Iowa Virtual Academy enrollment updates / projections, graduation rates, and testing score improvements.
Finnegan and Johnston commended the Elementary and MS/HS music programs for successful recent events.
Consent Agenda
Motion by Brandt and second by Kregel to approve the minutes from the March 25 Public Hearing & Special Meeting, April 8 Special Meeting, April 15 Regular Meeting, April 22 Public Hearing & Special Meeting, and April 30 Special Meeting; the March financial statements; May listing of invoices; and payroll requests of $2,867.69. Motion carried unanimously.
New Business
- Employment
Motion by Kregel and second by Brandt to approve the following hires and resignations:
Hires
- Doug Streeter – Bus Driver
Resignations
- Ashley Hess – JH Girls Track Coach
- Jason Tipsword – Elementary Teachers’ Associate, Assistant Soccer Coach, Co-Director – 6-12 Play, and Co-Director – Spring Follies.
Motion carried unanimously.
- 2026-27 District Career & Academic Plan (DCAP)
Motion by Brandt and second by Kregel to approve the 2026-27 District Career & Academic Plan as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
- Open Enrollments
Motion by Brandt and second by Kregel to deny 11 applications to the Iowa Virtual Academy. 2 denials were due to IEP requirements, and 9 denials were due to past truancy. Motion carried unanimously.
- Summer Band
Motion by Kregel and second by Johnson to approve up to 75 hours for summer band lessons. Motion carried unanimously.
- Distribution of Diplomas Class of 2026
Motion by Brandt and second by Kregel to approve distribution of diplomas to the Iowa Virtual Academy and Clayton Ridge High School Class of 2026, pending completion of requirements. Motion carried unanimously.
- AEA Contract to Transfer Special Education Funding
Motion by Brandt and second by Kregel to approve a contract with Keystone AEA to automatically transfer 90% of State funds allocated to the District for AEA Special Education support services. Motion carried unanimously.
- Fund Transfer Resolution
Motion by Brandt and second by Kregel to adopt a resolution to transfer $259,182 from the PPEL Fund to Debt Service Fund for debt payments. Motion carried unanimously.
- Overnight Trips for FBLA & FCCLA
Motion by Kregel and second by Brandt to approve overnight trips to national competitions for both FBLA and FCCLA. Motion carried unanimously.
- Contracts – Non-Organized
Motion by Kregel and second by Brandt to issue contracts to non-organized employees as listed. Motion carried unanimously.
- 1st Reading of Policies: 403.01, 403.02, 403.03, 403.03R1, 403.03E1, 403.04, 403.05, 403.05R1, 403.05E1, 403.06, 403.06E1, 403.06E2, 403.06E3, 404, 404.R1, 404.R2.
A first reading was held of the listed policies.
Adjournment
Motion by Kregel and second by Kregel to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously.
Meeting Adjourned at 7:52 PM
________________________________________
Logan Taylor, Board Secretary
__________________________________________
Jessica Bittner, Board President