Urbandale board honors longtime staff, recognizes students' Seal of Biliteracy and accepts local donation

The Urbandale Community School District recognized more than a dozen retirees at a reception before the board meeting, with colleagues praising long careers and personal impacts on students.

Lauren Scribe (director of HR and operations) opened the reception and introduced honorees including Nancy Schultz (band director, 37½ years), Jody Schute (36+ years), Angie Mark (35 years), Jim "Happy" (26 years in science), Leslie Barragan (special‑education paraeducator), Janine Houser (26 years), Kim Jorgensen (33 years), Steve Richmond (41 years in the business office) and Mark Herman (27 years). Speakers recounted mentoring, program building, community service and volunteer work; Dr. Cornwell and others emphasized each retiree’s consistent care for students.

Separately, the board received a check presentation: Daryl Wright of ABC of Iowa and Wes Fulton of LA Fulton and Sons presented $1,000 to support the district’s construction trades and CTE programs after Fulton’s project at Urbandale Middle School received an industry award.

Interim Superintendent Steve Tsai also briefed the board on a recent fire at Cross Creek Apartments that affected several students, thanked staff who assisted affected families and said the district is connecting families to resources. Later in the meeting, Brandon Schrauth recognized 24 students who earned the state and district Seal of Biliteracy for demonstrating proficiency in English and at least one other language.

The retiree tributes and student recognitions were followed by the board’s regular business.