ACSD Board approves budget with slight increase in levy rate for 2025-2026 school year, amendment to budget for 2024-2025
by Brianne Grimstad
The Allamakee Community School District (ACSD) Board of Directors met for its regular monthly meeting Monday night, April 21. Board member Jesse Delaney was not in attendance. There were no written or verbal comments at the public hearing for the proposed budget for 2025-2026 or the public hearing to amend the 2024-2025 budget.
Moving on to the regular board meeting, the board approved the following personnel hires (subject to a satisfactory background check): Kaitlyn Krambeer, 8th and 9th grade softball coach; Robert Johanningmeier, substitute suburban driver; and John Papp and Brad Krambeer, volunteer softball coaches. The board also accepted the following resignations: Jerry Keenan, Social Studies PLC Teacher Leader; Kim Shelton, co-head varsity bowling coach; Gloria Lough, Transportation Associate; Ben Pline, Assistant FBLA Advisor; Dani Bucknell, head varsity girls wrestling coach; Marcia Hesse, retirement from Title 1 teacher; Mark Schmadeke, Multi-Category teacher and 9th grade boys basketball coach; Karis Walker, paraprofessional; and Jaydon Snitker, Middle School English teacher.
The board also approved the transfer of Jessica Colsch from Preschool to Early Childhood Education teaching positions. Approval was also given to the renewal of the board’s membership in the Iowa Association of School Boards.
The Fine Arts Department gave a presentation on what and how students are learning in the music and art programs at the elementary, middle school and high school levels. JoAnn Sherman, Band Instructor; Emily Shannon-Timm, Elementary Art; Ryan Steffen, Art; Timothy Lund, Middle School Band Instructor; Sarah Bieber, Vocal Music; and Bethany Engen, Elementary Music all spoke about their teaching methods and the importance of music and arts.
Transportation Director Justin Piggott reported that the new LP bus should be delivered later this week. The Clean Fuel Grant of $25,000 for the LP bus has been paid. The next Department of Transportation (DOT) bus inspection will be June 17. Superintendent Jay Mathis and Piggott spoke a little bit about how implementation of tariffs may affect the price of the larger passenger bus that the district has ordered.
Food Service Director Jess Keenan reported that things are going well in her department. They are getting ready for the end of the school year and the Summer Feeding Program. They will continue with the format of an on-site lunch and grab-and-go breakfast items. Anyone age 18 and under is welcome to participate.
Technology Director Andy Reichard reported that the ISASP testing has gone well from his standpoint. The Chromebooks for the first and second grade classes have been delivered and the students have been giving some very positive feedback. Reichard thanked Elementary Principal Samantha Thornton for updating the East and West Elementary pages on the website, which he noted frees up time for his department, as well as Principal Thornton being able to give more detailed information about the schools.
Buildings and Grounds Director Bill Hennessy reported that they are getting lists ready for the annual summer purchase of cleaning materials for the 2025-2026 school year. His department continues to get things ready for spring and summer sports. He is also putting together some pricing for small summer projects. There will be a sprinkler system check happening soon.
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