May Minutes
MAY 21, 2026
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
Lisa Schwartz called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Roll was taken with the following members present: Denise Albsmeyer, Keith Barry, Russ Board, Danelle Donley, Cory Hagerbaumer, Trista Neisen and Lisa Schwartz.
Also present were Donna Veile, Julie Molidor, Lucas Ayers, and Nancy Cromie.
VISITORS
Blake Hiland, Tahnee Bauer, Dawn Lepper, Diane Germann, Janet Ohnemus, Melissa Kiel, Tori Davenport, Jon Dolbeare, Becky Hutchinson, Brian Hutchinson, Megan Kirby, Gloria Kirby
PUBLIC
Dawn Lepper addressed the board regarding the collaboration with DOT Foods to create STEM items that can be used in their warehouse.
Janet Ohnemus addressed the board regarding her history and accomplishments in education. She is concerned about the salaries of people who work in the district and the use of grant money.
Blake Hiland addressed the board regarding the interactions of others on social media. He is proud of this community and likes living here.
Tori Davenport addressed the board regarding the lack of transparency in the district and wants to add a second VoTech option for her son.
TECHNOLOGY REPORT
Lucas Ayers submitted a report of technology issues over the past month. He is currently looking for chromebook replacements. Wiring for the JH wing and new shot clock has begun.
AD REPORT
Tyler Duschinsky submitted a report on the status of current sports as they wind down the year in athletics. JH track earned wins at state in the long jump and 4 x 100 relay. The 7th grade team placed 3rd overall.
CONSENT AGENDA
Albsmeyer made a motion to approve the consent agenda. Barry seconded the motion. AYE: Albsmeyer, Barry, Board, Donley, Hagerbaumer, Neisen and Schwartz NAY: None
SUPERINTENDENT REPORT
Donna Veile talked about summer projects around the district, insurance renewal and the electric agreement. JWCC and LLCC are working with local districts to offer education classes.
FIRST READING OF IASB POLICIES
Barry made a motion to approve the first reading of IASB policies as listed on the agenda. Neisen seconded the motion. AYE: Albsmeyer, Barry, Board, Donley, Hagerbaumer, Neisen and Schwartz NAY: None
TENTATIVE FY26 AMENDED BUDGET
Donley made a motion to approve the tentative FY26 amended budget and set a hearing for June 18. Barry seconded the motion. AYE: Albsmeyer, Barry, Board, Donley, Hagerbaumer, Neisen and Schwartz NAY: None
2026-27 MILK BID
Albsmeyer made a motion to approve the escalator bid from Prairie Farms for milk for the 2026-27 school year. Donley seconded the motion. AYE: Albsmeyer, Barry, Board, Donley, Hagerbaumer, Neisen and Schwartz NAY: None
2026-27 HOT LUNCH PRODUCTS BID
Neisen made a motion to approve the hot lunch products bid from Kohl Wholesale for the 2026-27 school year. Barry seconded the motion. AYE: Albsmeyer, Barry, Board, Donley, Hagerbaumer, Neisen and Schwartz NAY: None
ELEMENTARY PRINCIPAL REPORT
Julie Molidor shared that there were many activities closing out the school year including the annual HS graduation walk, Kindergarten and 6th grade promotions. Staff were celebrated each day during Staff Appreciation Week with food provided by PTO and parents. Spelling Bee winners were 1st-3rd grade-Brandt Stapleton and 4th-6th grade-Brynlee Dedert. The ROE will be providing several professional development opportunities over the summer. A 2nd grade curriculum update was shared.
SECONDARY PRINCIPAL REPORT
Greg Buescher submitted a report on student activities over the month including the spring concert and Cinco de Mayo celebration. The Academic Awards ceremony was held on May 12th to recognize students. Staff were celebrated during Staff Appreciation Week with daily treats, games and prizes. Baccalaureate was held on May 13 and graduation on May 16. 8th grade promotion was May 19.
MOVE TO CLOSED SESSION
Donley made a motion to move into closed session for the purpose of discussing the employment of personnel, student matters, and other items appropriate for closed session. Barry seconded the motion. AYE: Albsmeyer, Barry, Board, Donley, Hagerbaumer, Neisen and Schwartz NAY: None
Moved to closed session at 7:53 p.m.
RETURN TO OPEN SESSION
Barry made a motion to return to open session. Board seconded the motion. AYE: Albsmeyer, Barry, Board, Donley, Hagerbaumer, Neisen and Schwartz NAY: None
Returned to open session at 9:45 p.m.
PERSONNEL ADDENDUM
Barry made a motion to approve the personnel addendum. Donley seconded the motion. AYE: Albsmeyer, Barry, Board, Donley, Hagerbaumer, Neisen and Schwartz NAY: None
ADDITIONAL ITEMS
There was discussion on official pay. Barry submitted his resignation to the board, effective May 28, 2026, as he is moving out of the district.
ADJOURNMENT
Neisen made a motion to adjourn. Barry seconded the motion. AYE: Albsmeyer, Barry, Board, Donley, Hagerbaumer, Neisen and Schwartz NAY: None
The meeting adjourned at 9:57 p.m.
SUMMARY OF THE MAY 21, 2026 BOE MEETING
BOARD ACTION/DISCUSSION
The board approved the consent agenda, first reading of IASB policies, 26-27 escalator milk bid from Prairie Farms and the 26-27 hot lunch products bid from Kohl Wholesale. After discussion on the FY26 budget, the tentative amended budget was approved and a hearing was set for June 18, 2026. There was also discussion on official’s pay. Keith Barry submitted his resignation, effective May 28, as he is moving out of the district.
PUBLIC
Dawn Lepper addressed the board regarding the collaboration with DOT Foods to create STEM items that can be used in their warehouse.
Janet Ohnemus addressed the board regarding her history and accomplishments in education. She is concerned about the salaries of people who work in the district and the use of grant money.
Blake Hiland addressed the board regarding the interactions of others on social media. He is proud of this community and likes living here.
Tori Davenport addressed the board regarding the lack of transparency in the district and wants to add a second VoTech option for her son.
TECHNOLOGY REPORT
Lucas Ayers submitted a report of technology issues over the past month. He is currently looking for chromebook replacements. Wiring for the JH wing and new shot clock has begun.
AD REPORT
Tyler Duschinsky submitted a report on the status of current sports as they wind down the year in athletics. JH track earned wins at state in the long jump and 4 x 100 relay. The 7th grade team placed 3rd overall.
SUPERINTENDENT REPORT
Donna Veile talked about summer projects around the district, insurance renewal and the electric agreement. JWCC and LLCC are working with local districts to offer education classes.
ELEMENTARY PRINCIPAL REPORT
Julie Molidor shared that there were many activities closing out the school year including the annual HS graduation walk, Kindergarten and 6th grade promotions. Staff were celebrated each day during Staff Appreciation Week with food provided by PTO and parents. Spelling Bee winners were 1st-3rd grade-Brandt Stapleton and 4th-6th grade-Brynlee Dedert. The ROE will be providing several professional development opportunities over the summer. A 2nd grade curriculum update was shared.
JH/HS PRINCIPAL REPORT
Greg Buescher submitted a report on student activities over the month including the spring concert and Cinco de Mayo celebration. The Academic Awards ceremony was held on May 12th to recognize students. Staff were celebrated during Staff Appreciation Week with daily treats, games and prizes. Baccalaureate was held on May 13 and graduation on May 16. 8th grade promotion was May 19.
PERSONNEL APPROVALS
Resignations for 25-26: Blake Wolf as assistant track coach, Nicole Smart as band/music teacher, Cheryl Lay as part-time dishwasher; Christy Kunzeman as nurse; and Matthew Mullen as JH ELA teacher
Summer help 2026: Braxton Dieker as part-time lawn maintenance assistant; Nick Koehler as part-time tech assistant
Certified positions for 26-27: Sarah Cisney as band/music teacher
Extra-curricular positions for 26-27: Nick Holtschlag as NHS sponsor; Tristan Sarver as volunteer assistant for FB weightlifting
The next regular meeting will be Thursday, June 18, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.