2025-11 November 12, 2025 Minutes

East Buchanan Community School District - Regular Board Meeting Minutes – November 12, 2025

Call to Order- President Andy Sperfslage called the meeting to order at 5:00 pm. The board recited the East Buchanan Mission Statement. Board members present were Andrew Maas, Tim Recker, Andy Sperfslage, and Heather Steffens. Board member Scott Cooksley was absent.  Administrators attending were Superintendent Kory Kelchen, Secondary Principal Derick Ludwig, Elementary Principal Nathan Reck, and Board Secretary Teresa Knipper.  Several visitors attended the meeting. Motion carried with all ayes unless noted otherwise. 

Approve Agenda - Motion by Maas, second by Recker to approve the agenda as presented.

Approve Consent Agenda - Motion by Recker, second by Steffens to approve the consent agenda. Items included on the consent agenda: minutes from the regular meeting on October 8, 2025; hiring of Trysten Russell as boys assistant basketball coach; hiring of Jess Flexsenhar as girls assistant basketball coach; resignation of Kiersten Amos as cheer coach; expenditures listed; and financial reports.

Administrative Updates and Reports – Reck reported that there are two student teachers in the elementary, the first grade students’ service project consisted of getting donations to send to parent Tyler Cheshire stationed in Syria; sixth grade students are doing a food drive service project with Buchanan County Extension; fourth, fifth, and sixth grade students attended the Veterans’ Day ceremony held in the high school; PTO is leading the Leader in Me assembly with students reaching goals for the fundraiser being able to pie a teacher in the face; and they are getting feedback from parents on student response to the new pilot curriculum.  Ludwig reported staff is determining priorities based on the needs assessment; the attendance improvement process continues; students commented on the impact of seeing the veterans for the ceremony; and staff is working together on common teaching practices.  Kelchen reported that Denovo Construction and the architect are working on options for the MS building project; administrators met to discuss options to utilize current space; and that a discussion was held with Piper Sandler regarding bond options for the project.

Early Graduate Applications for the Class of 2026 - Motion by Recker, second by Maas to approve the early graduate applications as presented.

SBRC Requests for Administrative Costs – Motion by Maas, second by Steffens to approve the application to the SBRC in the amount of $2,390.76 for special education administrative costs associated with the River Hills Consortium program for the 2026-2027 school year.  Motion by Recker, second by Steffens to approve the application to the SBRC in the amount of $2,748.03 for special education administrative costs associate with the Lied Center Consortium program for the 2026-2027 school year.

Snow Removal Bid – Motion by Maas, second by Steffens to approve the bid from Jeff Childers at a rate of $100/hour for snow removal during the 25-26 school year.

Board Policy Review – Motion by Steffens, second by Recker to approve the second reading of board policies 505.8 series, 506.1 series, 506.2 series and 506.4 series with changes as discussed.  Motion by Steffens, second by Maas to approve the first reading of board policy 503.9 as presented.

Use of Education Support Personnel Salary Supplement (ESPSS) Funds – Tabled

Student Questions – A student asked when the middle school project will begin.

BucPr1de – Shout out to administration for doing a great job and to the teachers that attend the school board meetings.

Adjourn- Motion by Recker, second by Maas to adjourn the meeting at 5:35 pm.

The above are not official minutes until approved at the next regular board meeting.  A copy of the official minutes may be viewed in the office of the Board Secretary and Monday through Friday between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm.