Starmont board approves FY26 budget, 2025–26 calendar and multiple agreements; PR contract passes 3-2

The Starmont Community School District Board met April 14, 2025, in the high school conference room and approved the district’s FY26 budget, adopted the 2025–26 school calendar and voted on a series of contracts and personnel matters.

The board approved budget option 1, resulting in a levy rate of 10.76903, on a motion by Doug Puffett that passed unanimously. The body also approved the 2025–26 school calendar on a separate 5–0 vote. The board set a public hearing for a 2024–25 budget amendment for its May 12 regular meeting.

The consent agenda passed 5–0 and included personnel actions: hires for assistant junior high track coach and summer help positions; and accepted resignations including Secondary Principal Kris Martin and Activities Director Tracy Curtis. Board members discussed a principal search for the secondary principal position but recorded no formal timeline or appointment at the meeting.

Elementary Principal Heath Hesse reported just over 90% parental turnout for parent‑teacher conferences and said fifth‑grade social studies projects led to administrative follow‑through to install a pickleball court on the playground. Secondary Principal Kris Martin said the Addams Family musical "was amazing," and announced a 6th‑ and 9th‑grade orientation night on April 28; he also reported strong freshman attendance and provided parent‑teacher conference participation rates.

The board approved facility and procurement items, including a $9,299.02 bid from Heiar Fencing to reuse current outfield fencing for the baseball field; the motion was amended to require administration follow up on installation to prevent recurring issues. The board approved a Booster Club grant match of $4,558.43 for concession‑stand improvements and authorized the purchase of three desks at $1,050 each plus freight. Bids to replace flooring were discussed but no action was taken.

The board approved agreements with the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office and partnerships with Upper Iowa University, Morningside University and Northwestern College. It also approved an out‑of‑state field trip for zoology and photography students to Minneapolis and approved the 2025 graduating class contingent on successful completion of requirements.

In the only split vote of the evening, the board approved a one‑year public relations proposal from MonkeyThis at $415 per month. Vicki Althoff moved to approve the contract; the motion passed 3–2. President Julie Uhlenkamp and Doug Puffett voted no.

Superintendent Robert Busch reported that the Tri‑Rivers Conference will raise varsity gate admission to $7 next year and said the district is preparing for a pending legislative bill that could require schools to adopt limits on cellphone use during instruction. He also noted the Facilities Task Force survey and said the district is awaiting proposals from a geothermal engineer following a building walkthrough.

The meeting adjourned at 8:40 PM after a motion by Doug Puffett carried 5–0.

Votes at a glance: Approve agenda (5–0); Consent agenda incl. personnel (5–0); Approve FY26 budget option 1 (5–0, levy 10.76903); Set hearing for 2024–25 budget amendment (5–0); Approve MOU adjusting conference dismissal times (5–0); Approve 2025–26 calendar (5–0); Approve out‑of‑state field trip (5–0); Approve vision and dental options (5–0); Approve graduating class (5–0); Approve nutrition bids request (5–0); Approve Heiar Fencing bid $9,299.02 (5–0, amended); Approve Booster Club 25% match $4,558.43 (5–0); Approve furniture purchase (5–0); Approve MonkeyThis PR contract (3–2); Approve agreements with Fayette County Sheriff, Upper Iowa University, Morningside University, and Northwestern College (all 5–0).