Mid-Prairie Community School District
Kalona, Wellman, West Chester
Mid-Prairie Central Office Community Room, Wellman, IA 52356
May 11, 2026 – 6:15 p.m.
President Randy Billups called the meeting to order.
Board members present: Mary Allred, Randy Billups, Kirah Johnson, Ryan Schlabaugh, Jed Seward, and Jake Snider (arrived at 6:50 p.m.).
Board members absent: Denise Chittick and Jake Snider (arrived at 6:50 p.m.).
Also Present: Superintendent Brian Stone, Board Secretary/School Business Official Jeff Swartzentruber.
Pledge of Allegiance
Read the School Mission Statement by Jed Seward
Adopt the Agenda
Mary Allred moved to adopt the agenda as presented. Seconded by Jed Seward. Motion carried 5-0.
Hawk Highlight – Recognize Retiring Employees – Superintendent Stone introduced the retiring teachers and staff to be honored for their 84 total years of service. Teachers included were Kerri Bell-Second Grade Teacher; Paula Buckwalter-Kindergarten Teacher; Jeff Foster-Middle School Ag and Health Teacher; and Shawn Sandersfeld-5th Grade/HSAP Band Teacher. People in attendance spoke about each retiree and expressed their thankfulness for the impact they have had on students.
Jake Snider arrived to the meeting during the recognition of retirees.
President Billups called for a 10-minute recess to allow people to congratulate the retirees.
The Board reconvened at 7:16 p.m.
Public Forum
No one spoke.
BUSINESS MEETING
Consent Items
Ryan Schlabaugh moved to approve the following consent items.
Minutes of Previous Meetings
The minutes of April 13, 2026, and April 27, 2026;
Finance Report
The Finance Report for Year-to-Date April 2026;
Payment of Bills
The bills as listed for May 11,2026; Prepaid Bills;
Open Enrollment Requests
Open Enrollment In Requests total 4 students;
Open Enrolled Out Requests total 2 students;
Personnel Items
Contract issued to Teagan Schaefer, 2nd Grade Teacher, $50,000 per annum;
Resignation of Elizabeth Solanki, Home School Library Media Specialist, $15.59 per hour, effective end of 2025-2026 School Year;
Resignation of Sylesta Martens, High School General Cook, $16.31 per hour, effective end of 2025-2026 School Year;
Resignation of Angie Lilly, MP East Paraprofessional, $15.50 per hour, effective end of 2025-2026 School Year;
Resignation of Mikaela Lunsford, High School JV Girls Basketball Coach, $3,118 per annum, effective May 1, 2026;
Resignation of Mikaela Lunsford, High School Assistant Girls Soccer Coach, $3,562 per annum, effective May 1, 2026;
Resignation of Madison Ross, High School Assistant Dance Coach, $2,872 per season, effective May 1, 2026;
Resignation of David Murray, Middle School Girls Wrestling Coach, $2,604 per season, effective May 1, 2026;
Resignation of Duncan McCain, High School Boys Wrestling Head Coach, $4,407 per season, effective April 29, 2026;
Resignation of Caleb Potts, High School Student Leader Sponsor, $327 per annum, effective May 4, 2026;
Fundraising Requests – None presented for consideration
Mid-Prairie High School Graduates
Mardie Mae Berry Delani Mae Blum Tate Everett Bombei
Gentry Elliott Bontrager Emilie Rose Burnett Ellie Emma Callahan
Jadyn Claire Carillo Griffin Benjamin Caskey Alex Michael Castillo
Leah Ann Chapek Paiton Lynn Chittick Cyris Daylin Christner
Jillian Mae Clark Clayton Norris Davidson Ryann Elizabeth Dolan
Miles Lucas Edgington Hudson William Ehrenfelt Jovi Ashlynn Evans
Laurin Elizabeth Fay Brock Joseph Fisher Meadow Bridget Flynn
Peyton Lee Fox Cameron Myles Gingerich Kassidi Lyn Greiner
Gabriel Elliot Groff Haley Ann Gross Kadence Ann Grout
Katelyn Jean Harland Avery Grace Helmuth Bryce Charles Henry
Dalton Daniel Hesseltine Stella Rose Janecek Ariel Lyn Kaufman
Jonathan Dean Kinsinger Kaden Aaron Kos Abrielle McKenna Kraus
Landon Michael Kuenster Brock Allen Lowenberg Cirina Jayne Lucas
Paige Elizabeth Malichky Tristan James Maus Drea Marie McCain
Ireland Rose McCain Johnathan Carl McCain Noah Timothy Miller
Sophie Joan Miller Keatyn George Myers Brynn Elizabeth Northup
Harper Faith Pacha Caitlynn Annmarie Peters Lucas Mark Phillips
Emilee Grace Ramsey Keelin Elizabeth Reiner Evan Daniel Reschly
Hannah Sue Rodgers Henry James Rodgers Cuyler Jo Rourke
Alaina Kate Safly Olivia Catherine Schlabach Lance Gordon Schlabaugh
Caroline Raye Schrader Jonathan Edward Shapiro James Andrew Shetler
Madelyn Renee Sieren Maxwell Grey Sieren Ethan Ernest Slay
Sophie Kay Sojka Thomas Joseph Stacey Elijah John Statler
Douglas William Stephenson Jesse David Stultz Abigale Margaret Taormina
Ahna Rae Townsend Jordan Mark Traetow Cassandra Lee Trimpe
Matthew Dutch Troyer Joshua Ryan Turner Damian Michael Vazquez
Rebekah Eileen Wallington Joshua Emmanuel Watkins Kiah Lynn West
Allie Faith Whetstine Leah Michelle Wilson Addison Lynn Yoder
Brooke Emerson Yoder Cadance Ann Yoder Owen Scott Zirkelbach
Mid-Prairie Virtual Academy Graduates
Sarah Jane Burnett Zoe Meagan Forbes Gavin Michael Mosier
Nikida Nicole Penelton-Schultz Lexie Rose Skipton Alyssa Janaya Smith
Mid-Prairie Home School Assistance Program Graduates
MP-HSAP Diploma Graduates
Kealy Roberts Rylee Cady Luke Brokaw
James Schroeder Naomi Yoder Kendra Bruegge
Ayla Jacobsen Quinton Smith Forest Isbell
Jordan Bartachek Calvin Schulte Grace Smidt
Lyla Day Cristin Overholt Brenda Overholt
Andrew Martin Maciah Martin Chase Engelkes
MP-HSAP Home Diploma Graduates
Hayes Arwine Angela Berg Matthew Brenneman
Jeremiah Buck Patrick Carey Logam Folkmann
Jane George Dakota Mohr Tyler Morlan
Sophia Rippel Moriah Swanson Brayden Warwick
Eden Yutzy
Mary Allred seconded the consent items. Motion carried 6-0.
Student Learning
Reports
The Board reviewed the Administrators’ written reports to the Board. Time was allotted to ask questions and discuss the reports. Comments were made on the West Elementary construction and is on schedule, and on the Transportation Department breakfast two weeks ago.
Board Recognition
Superintendent Stone recognized the Board with IASB’s Campaign for School Boards “Because of You”. He presented each Board Member with a framed picture and signatures by students in the District and showed a video of the Board specifically designed for them. He thanked the Board for their work and care for the students and community in their roles as Mid-Prairie Community School District School Board members.
Curriculum Review Recommendation for 6-12 Math
Superintendent Stone followed up the curriculum presentation from April 27, 2026 where the process was presented and discussed. The 7-year cost to implement the Math curriculum program is $98,784 for grades 6-12 starting with the 2026-2027. He then discussed the document provided with the details.
Ryan Schlabaugh moved to approve 7-year program Math Curriculum for grades 6-12 in the amount of $98,784 as recommended. Kirah Johnson seconded the motion. Motion carried 6-0.
School Board Policy 506.2 Student Directory Information – Second Reading
Superintendent Stone reviewed the new IASB language for Board Policy 506.2 – Student Directory Information that passed the First Reading at the April 27, 2026 Board Meeting.
Jed Seward moved to approve Board Policy 506.2 Student Directory Information on Second Reading. Mary Allred seconded the motion. Motion carried 6-0.
School Board Policy 505.5 Graduation Requirement – First Reading
Superintendent Stone reviewed the proposed changes to Policy 505.5 Graduation Requirements. It is recommended that Policy 505.5 be amended to include more specific language about Special Education Students’ graduation requirements. It is the content that Doug Stafford brought to the last Work Session in March.
Ryan Schlabaugh moved to approve Board Policy 505.5 Graduation Requirements as presented on First Reading. Kirah Johnson seconded the motion. Motion carried 6-0.
LifeWise Academy Acknowledgement
Board President Randy Billups and Superintendent Stone reviewed the discussion from the Work Session of March 23, 2026, and the request for the Board to sign the Acknowledgement Document to begin a program with East Elementary and the program to take place at Kalona Mennonite Church. The Board discussed the requested action by the Board for this program. The Board discussed the process for the proposal, and the program as to why it was not brought to the full Board. The Board requested that the document come before the Board for evaluation and discussion on the next Business Meeting. It will be emailed to the Board prior to the first meeting in June, which is June 8th.
Middle School Health/Career Exploration Position
Middle School Principal, Tim Bartels, presented the Health/Career Exploration Teaching Position in detail and the rationale for the recommended position. This would take the place of the teaching position fille by Jeff Foster who is retiring as a teacher at the end of the current school year. He explained Mr. Foster’s degree and endorsements and compared it to the current degrees offered by universities to their graduates. In addition, the State has set up requirements starting in the 2026-2027 school year for Health and Career Exploration. The Board asked questions for clarification and understanding.
Kirah Johnson moved to approve the Middle School Health/Career Exploration Teaching Position to begin in the 2026-2027 School Year as presented. Mary Allred seconded the motion. Motion carried 6-0.
Finance-Long Range Planning
Administrators, Directors, and Central Office Wages for the 2026-2027 School Year
Superintendent Stone noted that the total package provided for all groups in the District resulted in a 3.42% increase for the next school year. In order provide equitable raises for all and after discussions in the Work Session on April 27th, he recommends the same total package for Administrators, Directors, and Central Office Staff. He reviewed the document provided to the Board for their consideration. The Board asked questions for clarification and understanding.
Kirah Johnson moved to approve the 3.42% total package increase for Administrators, Directors and Office Staff as presented. Jed Seward seconded the motion. Motion carried 6-0.
Grant Wood AEA PowerSchool Agreement for the 2026-2027 School Year
Superintendent Stone reviewed the Grant Wood AEA PowerSchool Annual Agreement for the 2026-2027 School Year. This annual agreement covers the Student tracking software and support in the amount of $24,695.04. This is key system for District operations.
Ryan Schlabaugh moved to approve the 2026-2027 PowerSchool Software and Support Agreement in the amount of $24,695.04 as presented. Jake Snider seconded the motion. Motion carried 6-0.
28E Sharing Agreements for the 2026-2027 School Year Shared Staff
Superintendent Stone presented the four 28E Agreements with Clear Creek Amana School District. These are a continuation of sharing agreements that have been in place over the past number of years. The District hires and shares the Human Resources Coordinator position and the Social Worker Position with Clear Creek Amana School District. Clear Creek Amana School District hires and shares the Curriculum Director and Buildings and Grounds Director with the District. There are sharing revenue dollars available to both Districts in this arrangement. It is 12 FTEs in funding received by both Districts that totals $98,856.
Jed Seward moved to approve the four 28E Agreements with Clear Creek Amana School District for the 2026-2027 School Year – Human Resources Coordinator, Social Worker, Curriculum Director, and Buildings & Grounds Director. Mary Allred seconded the motion. Motion carried 6-0.
Additional Information
Graduation – Board Members will attend graduation on Sunday, May 24, 2026, at 1pm. This will be in lieu of a second meeting in May. The Board provided Swartzentruber with the number of seats each wishes to reserve for graduation.
Board Highlights for This Meeting
- Appreciation expressed for the great retiring teachers.
- Riverboat Foundation has invited MP Library Grant application to be in attendance at the May 20th award presentation.
Announcements and Suggestions for Next Agenda
The next regular Board meeting will be on Monday, June 8, 2026, at 6:15 p.m. at the Central Office Community Room. Agenda items to include: Second Reading of Board Policy 505.5 Graduation Requirement; Superintendent compensation package for the 2026-2027 school year and the rolling two-year contract; and LIfeWise Acknowledgement Agreement.
The next Work Session Meeting will be on Monday, June 22, 2026 at 6:15 p.m. Agenda items to include: Starting to review the Board Policies on the 5-year rotation; and Discuss, review recording of School Board meetings.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 8:53 p.m.