Board of Education Regular School Board Meeting
Southeast Valley Community School District
Wednesday, November 19, 2025
Southeast Valley Central Office
6:30 PM
The Board of Education of Southeast Valley Community School District met in a regular session. President Miller called the meeting to order at 6:30 PM
Roll Call:
Shannon Miller, Allan Wicklein, Sean Stewart, Jim Carlson, Katie VanSickle, and Jeff Ackerson
Absent: Joni Hefley
Additional attendees were, Brian Johnson, Superintendent and Lisa Willardson, Business Manager, Kerry Ketcham, Allie Slinker, Chelsey Danielson.
Motion by AW, seconded by KV to approve the consent items. Consent items included agenda, minutes from prior meeting, payment of bills presented, personnel changes as presented and any open enrollment requests.
There were no open enrollment requests
Personnel items included:
The resignation of Kristi Castenson as HS volleyball coach, the resignation of softball coach Sheridan Zeka, the resignation of Steve Kehoe and Morgan Castenson, Assistant HS volleyball coaches. All resignations are effective immediately. Approval of Tiffany DeCastro as volunteer dance coach.
Ayes: Miller, Wicklein, Stewart, Carlson, VanSickle
Nays: None
Abstain: Ackerson
Motion carries 5-0
Committee reports:
School Improvement – None at this time
Public Relations –None at this time.
Facilities & Grounds –None at this time.
Negotiations/Finance – None at this time.
Transportation – None at this time.
Building reports were submitted in writing and are available in the central office for review.
Motion by KV, seconded by AW to approve the 6 teacher applications for early retirement.
They included:
Jori Lizer
Jeff Miller
Staci Halligan
Penny Blunk
Kelly Clough
Laurie Kalahar
The one admirative application for early retirement was also accepted and approved for Kerry Ketcham.
All retirements will be effective at the end of the 2025-2026 school year.
Ayes: Miller, Wicklein, Stewart, Carlson, VanSickle, Ackerson
Nays: None
Motion carries 6-0
Motion by JC, seconded by JA to adjourn the regular meeting.
Ayes: Miller, Wicklein, Stewart, Carlson, VanSickle, Ackerson
Nays: None
Motion carries 6-0
Board of Education Organizational School Board Meeting
Southeast Valley Community School District
Wednesday, November 19, 2025
Southeast Valley Central Office
6:45 PM
The Board of Education of Southeast Valley Community School District met in a regular session. The meeting was called to order by Lisa Willardson, Board Secretary at 6:45 PM.
Recognition of Departing Board Members
The Board acknowledged the departing members who did not seek re-election this term. Shannon Miller and Jim Carlson were thanked for their dedicated service, leadership, and critical contributions over the past several years. Shannon 16 years and Jim 12 years. The Board expressed appreciation for their commitment to the district/organization and wished them well in their future endeavors. Following this recognition, Shannon and Jim exited the meeting.
Roll Call:
Allan Wicklein, Sean Stewart, Jim Carlson, Katie VanSickle, Jeff Ackerson, Heidi McGuire and Lindsay Eslick
Absent: Joni Hefley
Additional attendees were, Brian Johnson, Superintendent and Lisa Willardson, Business Manager, Kerry Ketcham, Allie Slinker, Chelsey Danielson.
The oath of office was administered to the new board members, McGuire and Eslick.
Motion by KV, seconded by SS to nominate Joni Heffley as President for the school board, and that all nominations cease.
Ayes: Wicklein, Stewart, Carlson, VanSickle, Ackerson, Eslick
Nays: None:
Candidate was sworn in the following day at the Central Office, with Brian Johnson witness.
Motion by JA, seconded by KV to nominate Allan Wicklein as Vice President for the school board, and that all nominations cease.
Ayes: Wicklein, Stewart, Carlson, VanSickle, Ackerson, Eslick
Nays: None
Candidate was sworn in.
Motion by SS, seconded by JA to name the school publication the Gowrie News. .
Ayes: Wicklein, Stewart, Carlson, VanSickle, Ackerson, Eslick
Nays: None:
Motion by KV, second by HM to approve the resolution to request modified allowable growth.
Resolution to Request Additional Allowable Growth and Supplemental Aid for Increased Open Enrollment Out
WHEREAS, the Southeast Valley Community School District has experienced an increase in the number of students open enrolling out for the 2025-2026 year, resulting in a financial impact on the district; and
WHEREAS, the district seeks to meet its financial obligations to serve all enrolled students while addressing the financial adjustments caused by the increased open enrollment out; and
WHEREAS, Iowa Code Section 257.31 permits districts to request modified allowable growth and supplemental aid for these circumstances;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Education of the Southeast Valley Community School District, as follows:
1. The Board of Education approves the submission of an SBRC request for additional allowable growth and supplemental aid to address the budgetary impact of:
a. Increased open enrollment out, in the amount of $182,654.
2. The Superintendent, Board Secretary, and other appropriate personnel are authorized to complete and submit all necessary forms and documentation required by the SBRC to finalize this request.
3. The Board affirms its commitment to responsibly managing district resources while advocating for adequate funding to ensure high-quality education for all students.
PASSED AND APPROVED this 19th day of November, 2025.
Motion by SS, seconded by LE to approve the 2025-2026 At-Risk Program.
Ayes: Wicklein, Stewart, Carlson, VanSickle, Ackerson, Eslick
Nays: None:
The next meeting is December 17th at 5:45 PM in the Central Office.
Motion by HM, seconded by JA to adjourn.
Ayes: Wicklein, Stewart, Carlson, VanSickle, Ackerson, Eslick
Nays: None: