2026-04 April 8, 2026 Minutes

East Buchanan Community School District - Regular Board Meeting Minutes – April 8, 2026

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 Tonishia Dockstader, Andrew Maas, Andy Sperfslage, Heather Steffens, and Troy Tempus.  Administrative staff attending were Superintendent Kory Kelchen, HS/MS Principal Derick Ludwig, Elementary Principal Nathan Reck, and Business Manager/Board Secretary Teresa Knipper.  Several visitors attended the meeting. Motion carried with all ayes unless noted otherwise. 

FY27 Certified Budget Public Hearing - Motion by Steffens, second by Maas to open the public hearing at 5:00 pm.  The proposed FY27 budget was presented by Knipper and the hearing was opened for public comment.  There were no comments from the public.  Motion by Steffens, second by Tempus to close the public hearing at 5:04 pm.

26-27 School Calendar Public Hearing - Motion by Maas, second by Tempus to open the public hearing at 5:04 pm.  Kelchen presented the proposed 26-27 school calendar and the hearing was opened for public comment.  Five people commented.  Motion by Maas, second by Steffens to close the public hearing at 5:25 pm.

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

Approve Consent Agenda - Motion by Dockstader, second by Steffens to approve the consent agenda. Items included on the consent agenda: minutes from the regular meeting on March 11, 2026; minutes from the special board meeting on March 23, 2026; resignation of Mike Ellis as sound technician; resignation of Jess Flexsenhar as HS girls’ assistant basketball coach; hiring of Tim Connoly as assistant softball coach; resignation of Barb Bullerman as speech coach;  approval of Jake Van Scoyoc and Mark Crawford as volunteer baseball coaches; expenditures listed; and financial reports.

Administrative Updates and Reports – Reck reported that career day was a success, ISASP testing is finished, teachers have evaluated the pilot programs to determine which literacy program to use, and many events including Camp Wapsie, field trips, community service day, and family fun day have been scheduled.  Ludwig reported that the musical went well, a spring pep rally was planned by student council, ISASP testing is complete, and a middle school lock-in was held.  Kelchen presented legislative updates and provided board members with the IASB Leadership for Student Learning book.

FY27 Certified Budget - Motion by Dockstader, second by Steffens to approve the FY27 certified budget as presented.

Bus Purchase – Kelchen presented the quotes from School Bus Sales and Hoglund Bus with a recommendation to accept the School Bus Sales quote.  Motion by Tempus, second by Maas to approve the purchase of a 2027 Blue Bird bus from School Bus Sales for $142,516. 

26-27 School Calendar – Motion by Steffens, second by Dockstader to approve the 26-27 school calendar as presented.

FY25 Audit Report  – Motion by Maas, second by Tempus to approve the FY25 audit report as presented.

26-27 Operational Sharing Plan – Motion by Steffens, second by Maas to approve the 26-27 operational sharing plan as presented.

Set FY26 Budget Amendment Public Hearing – Motion by Dockstader, second by Maas to set FY26 Budget Amendment Public Hearing for May 13, 2026 at 5:00 pm.

District Career and Academic Plan Review - Ludwig presented the District Career and Academic Plan to the board for review.

Student Questions – One student asked about the 4-day week calendar.

BucPr1de –  The musical was amazing, great job on getting through ISASP testing, and thank you to staff who commented during the public hearing.  Several EB archers participated at state and they thanked the board for allowing them to practice and host tournaments at the school.

Exempt Session - Motion by Dockstader, second by Steffens to enter exempt session for  Bargaining Strategy and Negotiations Sessions for Union Employees and Strategy Session for Non-Union Employees per Iowa Codes 20.17(3) and 21.9 at 6:11 pm.  Motion by Maas, second by Steffens to exit exempt session at 7:06 pm.  

Exempt Session Action - Motion by Dockstader, second by Steffens to approve the 26-27 master contract with a $350 base increase for certified staff, $100 base increase for extra-curricular staff, and $.40 base increase for classified staff.  Motion carried with all ayes.  Motion by Maas, second by Steffens to approve a 2.5% salary increase for administrators and administrative support staff.   Aye:  Maas, Sperfslage, Steffens, Tempus.  Nay:  Dockstader.

Adjourn- Motion by Dockstader, second by Steffens to adjourn the meeting at 7:08 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.