West Bend-Mallard board approves banking, places revenue purpose question on ballot and green-lights hires

The West Bend-Mallard Community School District Board of Directors on Sept. 16 approved bank depositories, added a revenue purpose statement to the election ballot and authorized a set of hires and facilities work during a meeting at the district administration building.

President John Zaugg called the meeting to order at 5:03 p.m. and the board amended and approved the agenda before approving Principal Tyson Wirtz as interim board secretary; Zaugg then administered Wirtz’s oath of office. Superintendent Paul Peppmeier said the district’s CAR report was finalized and submitted to the state on time, thanked neighboring Emmetsburg schools for sharing their SBO during a staffing gap, and said he will begin reviewing applications for the permanent SBO position.

Why it matters: The board’s decisions set administrative authorities and clear the way for short-term personnel and facilities work. The revenue purpose resolution added to the ballot, the board said, would allow the district to use existing revenue for construction purposes and would not raise taxpayers’ rates; the final decision will be made by voters if the measure appears on the ballot.

Key actions and details - Banking and signatories: Trustees approved West Iowa Bank (limit noted in the motion as $7,000,000) and Farmers State Bank (limit $5,000,000) as official depositories for 2025–2026 and authorized Paul Peppmeier, John Zaugg and the new SBO as bank signatories. The West Bend Journal was designated the district’s official publication.

- Ballot question: The board approved adding a “Resolution Approving Revenue Purpose Statement” to the election ballot. Board members stated the resolution would not change taxpayers’ rates but would allow the district to use existing revenue for construction purposes; a roll-call vote was taken and the motion carried.

- Personnel moves: The board approved appointments and contracts including hiring Joel McGrauth as middle school girls wrestling coach, Tanyon Schutjer as high school assistant volleyball coach, Chelsea Schmidt as assistant middle school volleyball coach, Amy Fries as full-time cook, and Pete Carlson as a volunteer football coach. The board also approved a No‑Fault termination for Crystal Eggers effective Oct. 3; the district said Eggers will receive benefits through Oct. 3 and healthcare through the end of October.

- Compensation and operations: Trustees approved a temporary $500 monthly bonus for classified staff member Angie Wirtz for September 2025 through January 2026. They also authorized the purchase and installation of new flooring in the middle school boys locker room because the existing floor has holes and was leaking through.

- Property: The board approved offering a blue district van for sale at $1,000 or best offer.

Other items: Curriculum Director Rachel Montag reported work to improve the curriculum ordering process after a larger set of orders this year. The facilities committee shared preliminary design options from CMBA for potential school additions; CMBA will refine designs and present updated options this week. Peppmeier reported the FFA shed is enclosed and awaiting a door and electrical hookup, and that fire alarms and sprinklers in the weight room and new locker rooms are complete.

What’s next: The revenue purpose resolution will appear on the ballot if certified, and the superintendent will continue recruitment for the permanent SBO. The board expects to present financial reports at its October meeting. The board adjourned at 7:21 p.m.

Attributions: Actions and motions are recorded as presented at the meeting. Direct attributions in this report are to speakers identified in the meeting minutes: President John Zaugg; Superintendent Paul Peppmeier; Principal and Interim Board Secretary Tyson Wirtz; Curriculum Director Rachel Montag; and board members Dave Bruellman, Chris Montag, Jillian Hansen and Dawn Schmidt.