001If everybody could, if you're planning to find a seat, find a seat, especially in the interest of time and some potential bad weather, maybe. But you're saying wait right now? >> No, I'm saying wait a couple >> Oh, okay. Thanks. Uh my name is Laura DeCruyff, I'm the director of HR and operations. Uh we're happy that you've all you are all here tonight to be a part of honoring our retirees. Uh we once again have a great group of individuals that we're honoring tonight and lots of folks that are going to speak to the work that they've done here at Urbandale schools. Uh what we will do is I will ask the honoree and the person that's speaking on their behalf to come up uh just in the order that I've got them here and
002then after um the person gets done speaking on their behalf, they will come right over here uh for a photo and um right in that right in that spot. So, um first uh I'm going to acknowledge the one the employees that were unable to make it tonight. We have five. Uh the first is Kelly Dickinson, our assistant director of preschool. Jane Esslin, a special education associate. Angie Matthews, full-time substitute teacher. Deb Retker, administrative assistant to preschool and adventure time. And John Weaver, head custodian at the middle school. Now for those that are here tonight, uh the first honoree that we have is Nancy Scholds. So Nancy, come up and Dr. Cornwell will be recognizing Nancy. >> Yes, I heard lots of cheers for Nancy. Um she is one to certainly be celebrated at the middle
003school as well in all of Urbandale. Um left quite a legacy at the middle school this year. I want to read a few comments from a few of her colleagues at at the building. Um as she has touched so many lives. Her co-workers, her the the parents who used to be students, and her current students. Nancy cares about every student, includes every student in the group, and works tirelessly to give the students the best experience possible. She is caring, patient, funny, and an excellent listener. She approaches each day with energy and enthusiasm just as she has since 1989. Nancy is a role model for other teachers showing how fun and rewarding teaching can be and that you can love your job even after 37 and 1/2 years. And she still breaks a sweat when she's
004conducting directing her students just so you know. Um another memory from Holly Russell. Her first memory of Nancy is watching her direct her nieces band concerts in 2012 and 13. Here was the incredi- incredibly eloquent and calm presence in front of 100 sixth-grade students. Holly was currently teaching middle school school students and thought, she's so calm and the kids respond to her so well, which is very true. Then the downbeat came and I couldn't believe the beautiful music students who had only been playing their instruments for 15 to 18 months were making. My nieces loved having Nancy as the director as did my daughters in the past few years. Because Ms. Schultz is a household legend of band directors. She always knows how to bring out the best in students in a calm and composed
005way. Another colleague says Nancy's kindness runs deep. She has shaped the band program in such an incredible and honorable way. And that is the truth. These are facts about Nancy Schultz, and I have been honored to serve with her this school year. >> You're the best. >> All right. Next, we will be honoring Jody Schutt, and Jade Fox will be speaking on her behalf. >> It's interesting that word legend that has come up twice now for staff members who have been in the district 36 plus years. I have that in mind, too. A legend is someone exceptionally admired and respected for remarkable achievement, skills, or impacts in their field or culture. I worked as a teammate with Jody for 16 of the 36 years she has worked, a lifer, in the Urbandale Community School District.
006When I spend time When I spent time searching for a word that summed up all that Jodi is as an educator and a human being, my heart landed on one, legend. To me, to her students, to parents and colleagues, she is legendary. I could spend time today telling you about all the grandiose things Jodi has done for her students, like all the Drake Relay victories, the numerous Grand Blue Miles, the epic field days, and all the running club miles her students have accrued over the years. These things all definitely contribute to the amazing amazing educator that she is. But here's the truth, what makes Jodi exceptional is how she shows up and how she shows up every single day. 17 years ago I came to Urbandale as a first-year educator and was scrambling to learn
007all the things and keep my head above water. I didn't know it then, but I was blessed by having the best mentor mentor I'll ever have in my lifetime. And Jodi guided me through the basics, organization, classroom management, even getting me to finally eat in the teachers lounge, two years later, I might add. But as I started to figure those things out, I realized that this educator and mentor had so much more to teach me. I just needed to watch and listen. I think the two most important things I've learned from Jodi is how to show up for kids and how to show up for others. For showing up for kids, I would have to say about 85% of what I know about working with kids, building relationships with them, and being an effective educator
008came from Jodi. She always taught me to meet them where they are, to listen to what they tell you they need, be consistent, and never doubt what they can do. Jodi just didn't just walk into the gym each day and teach them great PE. She walked into that gym and gave her students skills on how to be good humans and quality coaches for one another. She walked into that gym and said all kids can, and she means it. That belief has inspired so many of her students in so many ways. Showing up for others. Jody made it a sacred practice to know everyone in our building, not just teachers, but every associate, custodian, lunch lady, and crossing guard and I bet she also knows a part of their story as well. She places great value
009on everyone feeling welcome and supported in our building and I vividly remember her coaching me one time during one of our hallway talks about why it's so important to know everyone's name that you work with and I learned that importance by watching her weave an entire culture of care and respect throughout our school and anchor in how we treat one another. Jody, I want to leave you with this promise as you step into retirement. There's a concept called the butterfly effect which says that even small, sometimes what some people might see as seemingly insignificant changes in the conditions of complex systems can lead to massive changes in its long-term outcomes. You may never see all the results of what you've sown in your last 36 years in Urbandale, but you've inspired many of us to
010carry your legacy forward. Your impact will echo far beyond what you'll ever know. You did good, shoot. Congratulations on retiring. You may be enjoying coffee at 9:00 a.m. on your deck while the rest of us are at work next year, but your legacy lives on through me and so many students and colleagues you've inspired. >> All right, next we will honor Angie Mark and Ashley Myers will be speaking on her behalf. >> All right, today we have the privilege of celebrating Angie Mark. Angie has spent the last 35 years making an incredible difference in the lives of children and families. Angie began her teaching career in 1991 as a kindergarten teacher and throughout the years has taken on several different teaching roles. She has taught kindergarten, worked as a K substitute teacher, taught fifth grade
011special education, third grade, and finally found her true happy place in preschool for the last 12 years. Along the way, she's also spent several years running running an in-home daycare while raising her own children, which says so much about her caring, nurturing, um, personality. But what truly stands out about Angie is not just the number of years that she has dedicated to education, it's the way she connected with and built relationships with students, families, and colleagues. Whether she was serving on committees, planning fun activities, supporting families during difficult times, or simply taking the time to listen, Angie always showed up with kindness, patience, and compassion. One of Angie's favorite parts of teaching has always been witnessing those lightbulb moments when students finally understand something they've been working so hard to learn. And after teaching more
012than 700 students, the fact that she still keeps in touch with so many of them says everything about the impact she has made. One of the most special and remarkable parts of her career has been teaching the children of former students. That not or that only happens when someone leaves a lasting impression not just on individual students, but on their entire family and community. Angie, we are so grateful for everything you have given to our students, our families, and our schools or in general over the past 35 years, but especially the last 2 years here in Urbandale. You have built relationships and memories that will last far beyond the classroom. While you will certainly be missed, we are also so excited for you to begin the next chapter, spending more time with your family, and
013hopefully going on some more cruises. Thank you for everything you've done. >> Next, we will be honoring Jim Happy and Mike Moran will be speaking on his behalf. >> Um I am very honored to be here celebrate uh Jim Happy today. Um Lauren and I are one of two people that have ever called him Jim. Um when I got here they said hey hey Happy this and Happy that. I wasn't sure if it was an adjective or it was actually the guy's name, but it truly uh it matches. He was aptly named. So, his name is Jim. That is a that is a great trivia question in Metro West. Um when I first met Happy it was like walking into a mad scientist lab. He has taught science with us for 26 years. I had
014never been to a classroom like that. I don't know that any of you have ever been to a classroom like that because it was a place uh of amazement. You'd walk in and he'd just say, they'll start liking science. And I said, you know, they haven't passed science class in high school. He said, I'll find a way. I'll find something. They'll find I'll find something they're interested in. And sure enough, before long, there's some kid in there talking philosophically about the universe and black holes and I don't know what all and he's just dissecting this and building that. And uh it was amazing to see him do his work and to see somebody run their craft like that was incredible. He somehow got his students engaged. We didn't always have kids who were scientists. We
015didn't always have kids who were into a four a four-year school. But he never you never would have known that by the way he treated them. You never would have known that by the way that he approached science with them. How he got uh excited about going to Iowa State still, even last summer. He's still training. He's still getting better. He's still going on to school and doing things for himself so he can make his students better. It was a it was a just fun to to work with him and it was it was very very awe-inspiring to me to see the passion that he still carried with him. And he passed that along to his kids. Um I also wanted to tell you about the impact. He's probably the most famous person I've ever
016worked with. And I've worked with some fairly famous people. Um but uh people would say, "Hey, you know Happy?" I'm like, "Yeah, I do." "Hey, you ever hear of Happy? Is he still teaching science over there?" I said, "Yeah, still doing it." So, awful story. We had a furnace go out this uh this year at my house and I was I was bummed out and the guy's like, "Hey, um you know, where do you work? Can I get you to run home? This is we got we got a problem." So, I said, "Sure, I can come home on lunch. Let me Let me get it done." So, I run home and uh I'm talking to him. He goes, "Where do you work?" I said, "Urban Hill schools." He goes, "What school?" I said, "Metro West."
017"You know Happy?" I go, "I do." And he goes, "Does he still teach?" I said, "He does. I said I just just was with him just this morning." And he goes, "Without him, I never would have made it." He said, "He is the one reason I made it through school." And I thought, "Wow." This was like one of those full circle moments for me. And uh uh then he says, you know, he gives me this horrible deal and cost me way too much money. And I was bummed out and I'm I got tears in my eyes not for happy, I got tears in my eyes for myself. He said, "Hey, um he said, I know you really don't want to see me right now, but do you think I could come by the school and
018talk to him?" I said, "He'd love to see you." And sure enough uh that guy followed me right to the school and right down with me to his classroom and he connected with him. That's a true story. Yeah. That just happened. Um he made those kind of connections all the time. Just this week uh we had another student show up who had I had never met before. That means they were here at least a decade ago or more. Wanted to come in and see him one more time before I retired. And that happens all the time with Happy. And uh it's really it's really been inspiring to see that connection to kids who didn't always like school, who weren't always the the classic student who wanted to be there. But boy, did they want to
019see this guy. It's going to leave a huge hole at Metro West when he's gone. Um but I can also tell you that the history that he that he left with us is going to still remain. We've heard people talk about legends and legacy and and his is going to be alive and and well. Um it will live on. We will celebrate. When people ask me if I know Happy, I'll tell them all the stories I can remember. I'll explain all the snakes and all the turtles and all the things and all the all the experiments. But most of all, I'll tell you I'll tell them that I got to work with a friend and someone that I truly admired as an educator. So, congratulations to you on a wonderful career. It was an honor
020to work with you. >> All right, next we will honor Leslie Barrigan and speaking on her behalf will be Jennifer Sylve. >> So, I feel more than honored tonight to be able to talk about this lovely lady because she is truly one of the most phenomenal people I have ever had the good fortune of meeting in my life. I came to the district 11 years ago and Leslie had been at that time and continues to be the epitome of what a perfect employee would look like without question. And I have many stories that I will share about that, but Leslie started her work in Urbandale Middle School in 1993, not unlike a lot of others in this crowd. So, she is in really good company as she decides that she's going to go into this
021next chapter of her life called retirement where she's going to be able to spend more time with her grandkids, who we've heard lots of great stories about over the years, and her children, and her husband, but I have a feeling Leslie maybe will come back and visit us on occasion. She already asked me if she could come stop in in the fall because she's going to be cleaning things out of her house and she wanted to know if she could drop some stuff off that we might be able to use. So, I hope it's not the last time that we see Leslie. But, Leslie has done a lot of things since she was at Urbandale Middle School. She started off working with students with challenging behaviors. She worked in an industrial tech classroom for 15
022years. Some of you in the room probably remember that. And then she has worked since 2015 as a special education paraeducator. So, the students and the adults that have had the privilege of working with Leslie have just been so very blessed. Just to give you another idea about the kind of person that Leslie is, she chose to attend the middle school children on their Washington, D.C. trip, which is an annual trip. She did that not once or twice, but four times. Did you guys ride the bus every time? Oh, good. Okay. I was trying to think about eight one-way trips on the bus. The The plane would be enough. So, just the fact that she did that just shows how caring she is and how much she loves working with the students to make them
023the best that they can be every day. She has volunteered her time at the school for Best Buddies. She's volunteered for Special Olympics. She's was chosen to serve on the Actions of Excellence Committee, which was a district-level committee that high highly thought well-thought-of personnel were asked to be a part of, and of course, Leslie came to everyone's mind first. To think of what started as a part-time job, Leslie told me, that has blossomed into what it did is an unbelievable legacy that she will leave with us forever. I have many personal stories that I want to share about Leslie, but I'm only going to share one. And Leslie might know where I'm going with this, but she might not. So, about eight years ago, I think it was, back when my 18-year-old daughter still really
024liked to hang out with me, and she was probably I think she was 10 or 11, and we were at a concert right here in the PAC, and it was snowing. It was so cold out. I still to this day don't know how Leslie knew what was going on, but we were sitting rows behind Leslie and my daughter started vomiting profusely everywhere and we were not on the end of the aisle. We were stuck in the middle like you guys it was bad. She was like she threw up on people. >> Well, >> and Leslie turned around and she was like, "Oh my gosh." Like she suddenly knew something happened and she came running around. She grabbed Olivia. She escorted her out. I am trying to like clean things up and catch in my coat.
025So I'm trying to do all the things. Yes. And Leslie was an angel to me that night. My daughter still talks about, "Do you remember that nice lady?" Thankfully, my mom still lived in Urbandale at that time. So we ran to her house and took a bath before we made it home to Ankeny that night, but Leslie just she has a way of knowing what is going on with kids and that is truly her gift. And I just wanted to share one more thing. This is written from a specialty teacher that she currently works with. I think that after 30 plus years in the field and being this close to the end, the fact that Leslie is stressing the most today about how her students needs are going to be what met this Wednesday afternoon
026as she takes a half day to get some dental work finished speaks volumes about the type of person that she is. Sometimes it is a thankless job that requires you to be selfless even at your worst and Leslie is the standard when it comes to that. She has been through many trials and tribulations over the last 3 years and she just continues to show up for all of us each and every day. She does not have an interest in simply just doing the job. She goes above and beyond to ensure that her students get the best possible experience they can every day. There is nothing she can't do. I consider myself extremely lucky and fortunate to have been able to work with her for the last 3 years. It has truly been an honor. Nobody
027deserves morning coffee with the dog and a round of golf more than Leslie Barrigan. >> Next, we would like to recognize Janine Hauser and speaking on her behalf will be Brandon Schrouth. >> All right, Janine's journey in Urbandale started 26 years ago in a way that sounds like a pedagogical reality show. She was shared split between Johnston and Urbandale and now we all know how that story ended. She chose us. And for nearly three decades, we have been the lucky beneficiaries of that decision. She started out in the trenches of both math and science and eventually finding our true north in the world of middle school math and algebra. If you've worked with Janine, you know she isn't just a teacher, she's an advocate. When it comes to our students and our high expectations, Janine
028is, and I say this with the utmost respect, bullish. She refuses to accept good enough. She is willing to do whatever it takes to ensure the concept clicks, a student feels seen, and a colleague feels supported. In Janine's world, there is no I can't, there is only how can we? But, don't let that fierce advocacy fool you. Education can be chaotic a chaotic whirlwind, yet Janine has always been the eye of the storm. While the rest of us were frantic at moments over schedules or testing, Janine would bring us back to the center. She literally brought Tai Chi into our lives to remind us to breathe. And if Tai Chi didn't work, she might just switch to Italian. Whether she was giving us a quick lesson on how to say Italian, or just sharing the
029Mediterranean flair for life, she reminded us that the world is much bigger than the four walls of the classroom. For the last four years, Janine stepped into a massive role as a system-wide teacher leader. She didn't just stay in her math lane. She took on 6-12 math, science, health, PE, and CTE CTE programming, just to name a few. She became a true change agent for our system. She championed the championed the profession, fought for best practices, and ensured our CTE programs were robust and future ready, and is still working on that today. She looked at the system not as a series of silos, but as a cohesive journey for our students. Janine, as you step into the next chapter, we wish you the best of luck. May your retirement be filled with the same passion
030and curiosity you brought to these halls and all of our schools every day. Whether that means finding new paths to explore, enjoying the quiet strength of your Tai Chi practice, or simply savoring life con amore. Uh you're you've spent 26 years giving your all to our learning community. Now it's time for you to enjoy the beautiful journey ahead. Congratulations. >> Our next retiree is Steve Mefford and speaking on his behalf will be Dr. Cornwell. >> So, did you know that we have a historian among us tonight? This person knows everything there is to know about the school buildings, the school district. Why don't you share a fact with us right now about the middle school? Mhm, what year was the addition constructed? >> 2011. >> Anyone else have a fact they need checked? I wouldn't
031put him more on the spot, but I knew you'd know the answer to that one. Um truly, if he walked you through the middle school right now, he could tell you which every all the rooms and who've they've been what has been utilized for and who has taught in those room rooms over the course of the years. Um and it is ever changing, so we're going to have to give him updates into his retirement or do a yearly tour so we can recreate maps for you so you can keep up with that. Um Steve is a dedicated professional. Um you'll while school is in session, during every single passing period, you will see him in the hallway with a huge smile on his face talking to students, um greeting them and talking to colleagues as
032well. Um so not only is he the historian, he is our our welcomer, our greeter, um the most consistent hallway monitor we have at the middle school. Through his many years with Urbandale, he's devoted so much time to the success of generations of students, which you've truly had students of students at this point. He could tell you well, once again, um he can tell you about classroom switches um and all the happenings of Urbandale from year to year. So, not just who's in those classrooms, but all the events as well. He's always in the know. He has worked hard to provide a quality learning environment for all of his students. He was dedicated to creating an engaging and purposeful space where students could explore. He's always offering support and help to new teachers and is
033a wealth of information when it comes to science content. You can always tell that Steve loves Urbandale. He loves the Jayhawks and he loves the profession. Steve is leaving his legacy at Urbandale, most definitely. >> Next, we will be honoring Kim Jorgensen and speaking on her behalf will be Danielle Sanger and Michelle Sirsland. Okay. No problem. >> 33 years ago, Google didn't exist and the only way to post something was on a bulletin board. But even 33 years later, that number hardly feels big enough to capture the impact one person can make. Today, we celebrate not only an incredible career, but an incredible human being, Kim Jorgensen. Someone who has spent more than three decades shaping the hearts, minds, and lives of children in the Urbandale Community School District. >> Kindergarten teachers hold a special
034kind of magic. They are often the very first face children associate with school. The first smile that calms nervous tears. The first reassuring hand to hold. The first person to help children believe, I can do this. >> And for 33 years, you have done that with kindness, patience, humor, and love. >> You are the teacher every student hopes they get. The favorite teachers students remember years later. The one whose classroom felt safe, joyful, and full of love. Your classroom was never just a room with desks. It was a place where children felt important, celebrated, and excited to learn. >> When we both started at Webster, we truly lucked out having you as the teacher across the hall. From the very beginning, you were the kind of co-worker everyone hopes to find. The one who truly
035wants to know you. The one always checking in. The one who notices when someone is having a hard day and somehow knows exactly what to say to make it better. >> You have always been the the person people turn to for guidance. Not just because of your experience, but because of your heart. Your co-workers trust you, admire you, and look up to you. You bring calm to stressful moments, laughter to difficult days, and encouragement when people need it most. >> And somehow, even after 33 years, you never lost the joy. You kept teaching fun even when education became harder and harder. You kept showing up with patience, creativity, and that unforgettable smile that could brighten an entire hallway. >> The thing about teachers like you is that your impact can never truly be measured. It
036lives on in the hundreds of children who walked into your classroom uncertain and walked out feeling loved and capable. It lives on in co-workers who became better educators because they learned from your example. It lives on in families who trusted you with their little ones. >> There are generations of students who may not remember every lesson they learned in your classroom, but they will remember how you made them feel. Safe, happy, important, loved. >> And that is a legacy few people ever achieve. >> While retirement marks the end of this chapter, the difference you made will continue for years and years to come. Urbandale is better because of you, our schools are better because of you, and all of us who had the privilege of knowing and working with you are better because of you.
037>> Thank you for being the teacher everyone wanted, the co-worker everyone needed, and the best friend that we needed. >> Congratulations on your retirement. You have more than earned it through years of bringing joy to others. From caroling through the aisles of Hy-Vee to claiming hallway tables like a pro, surviving scavenger hunts, mentoring countless student teachers, and creating memories that all of us will carry long after today. You will be deeply missed. >> Next, we would like to honor Steve Richmond, and speaking on his behalf will be Denise Wood and Brandy Crawford. >> Hi there. I'm Denise Wood, and this is Brandy, and we're here to recognize Steve Richmond for 41 years of service to Urbandale Community School District. I started working with Steve when I joined the system in 2004, and at that time
038the administration office was at 6200 Aurora. You know how you just don't forget the address of the places that you worked? I just rattled that off this morning. I was like, "Oh, yeah, it was 6200." Right down here at the Merrill Hay Center. Um and I got to know Steve a whole lot better in 2007 when I moved into his office. I was a young teacher leader. I was working in curriculum essentially what our curriculum facilitators are today. And I sat right in between Steve and Deb Boston in the business office. So for anyone keeping track, they A administration office our AO office space layout has never made sense ever. I heard Steve I've heard Steve talk about Apparently AO used to be some shed out by Olmsted. Well all a house? I don't know.
039I wasn't here for that part. I I did do some math too. When Steve started here I was nine. Um So during the that year that I spent in the business office, I got to hear all the account codes. I learned about balance sheets and spreadsheets and all the other math stuff. But none of it stuck. And so poor Steve for all of these years has always had to write down an account number. Like every single purchase I ever make I'll call Steve. What account number should I use? Or I'll stop by his office what account and he'll say something like oh it's your 2112. You got to write that down for me. Get a little sticky note and then when I need to buy something else, hey Steve what's the account number? Um so
040during those years when we were at 6200 Aurora Steve would go into the break room and fix us I don't know if you remember this the really good popcorn with the stiry um with the oil and the salt and he'd bring that back to the office for Deb and I and we had some really good times um during that year and I I did learn a lot like I understood a lot better about finance and why this stuff mattered so much, even though I couldn't keep track of any of it. So, thank you, Steve, for those fun times. Um, so, Steve, for us, um, is described as a sweet and easy-going guy by those of us that worked with him for over the years. Um, he's a great relationship builder, and many times our team
041would go out to lunch at Pancheros together. Um, we spent time problem-solving and just, um, enjoying working alongside each other as a team. Over the last several years, um, I say last several years cuz I started here in 2020. So, um, I always appreciated the support he gave me and others in developing our own skills and knowledge. Um, Denise Marshall, who wasn't here tonight, I don't believe, but, um, said that she always appreciated Steve's taste in music, especially at Christmas time. Um, she loved that he would let her pick the playlist every day, and she did learn to like a few Christmas songs from him. Um, Yeah, she does not like Christmas music. Um, and so, that was her tidbit. Um, they worked in the office together, side by side, for a long time. Um,
042>> Denise, what he got Denise Marshall. >> Yeah, lots of Denises for her for that. Um, and Steve has provided so many years of service, um, and with such a broad knowledge base of the business office. There's a lot of stories I could tell, but what I really appreciated, um, the most working with Steve with was his welcoming, um, of me into the business office without question, which as a new employee starting in May of 2020, which if you're tracking, that's in the middle of COVID, and I was one of three, actually, in the office here and there. Um, and so, it made me feel welcomed and valued, um, and I know he treated everyone that way. Um, as a valued person who deserved time and space to be heard. Um, he has been able
043to help with so many different areas in the school district, and we are excited for Steve to have the opportunity to spend more time with his friends and family. He and Lori can make more trips fun together and we're sure he will be a huge help with the baking business, even if it's as a taste tester, because if you don't know Lori's um definitely a good cook for the baking goods. Um and so um we will miss Steve's upbeat personality, leadership, and friendship, as well as Lori's amazing treats around the office, but we know it's time for them to enjoy life and enjoy grandkids. So, Steve, we appreciate so much from the 41 years you devoted to Urbandale and you will be truly missed. >> Next, we will be honoring Mark Herman. And speaking on
044his behalf will be Tim Carver. >> Thank you very much. Uh truly an honor uh to get to recognize. This is going to be a little harder for me than some of you may know and then you'll understand why in just a little bit. Um Mark We don't know. We we used to roast people in this room. We don't do that anymore. We we uplift and honor them because of the profession that they chose. And when I think about this and I'm going to talk about four or three things about Mark, three roles. This is Mark Herman, uh professional educator, 27 years in Urbandale, a year at PCM before that, and 4 years at Winterset before that. So, one of those roles that Mark was, and many of you in this room know this, is
045he is an innovator. Um whether it be the roller coaster projects that probably some people that are in this room were took part of Um or whether it be Moodle bringing on new technology into our school. More recently when kids would know about things like the U hub that's were or just a few of the things that Mark innovations that he brought about in his teaching because for Mark it was always learning is always at the core of who he was I mean who he is not was. Yes. Oh no. And and and it really I mean Mark was was the I would call him like the founder of our engineering program at Urbana High School and now we've had kids that have gone on to be outstanding engine we have kids that worked at
046NASA and all over the place that are as a direct result of not just the teaching learning that went on in his classroom but the innovation and the idea to think about how we can make things better and how we can think about things differently and how we can solve problems differently and that's one of the things that I'll always be grateful for for Mark. Second role I'm going to talk about is he's a servant. Okay. Number one he serves his students. He's served he has served them day in and day countlessly in hours. I'm sure there are kids that could say gosh I needed a question answered and I got on Discord and jeez there was Mr. Herman right there for me. Well he's there to serve them constantly in his career and his
047time and and really be a servant for them and approached his teaching in that way. He's also servant I would say of learning. Um that ultimately how do we get kids to get to that next step in terms of whatever it is that they're taking on whether it be physics or whether it be physical science probably what he started with back in the day or CSP or any of the classes that he's taught because he's taught a whole bunch of them over the years. But more most importantly he's been a servant to family. I see him standing back here. Um his children, his grandchildren now, his parents. Um and all those folks and and most importantly a servant of his faith as well. Um the last thing This is hard for me to talk about,
048but Mark um is the role of a mentor. Okay? Um number one is physics family. I mean, if you go up to Mark's room, I don't know if they are they still up there the pictures? The mentor all the kids, the classes. He took over from a legend, guy that was our physics teacher and chemistry. Mr. Guzerick Chuck little Chuck Guzerick running around up there back in the day. And Mark took over and filled filled some big shoes. Had like six kids in his class or five or something like that. And then you look over the course of the years all the kids that came through and grew to love and have passion for physics and for or not just physics, chemistry, all the things you taught. Really about learning. And so you mentored kids
049to come through that and that was a now we call it the physics family. The kids are the physics sweatshirts that they wear and they and new color every year and all. I even got one one year. That was awesome. Black and pink and got it at home. Um and but and the last thing that I'll I'll talk about is the mentors, how he's mentored fellow educators. And this is my little extra connection to Mark. You guys might not know this, but my first two years teaching were at Winterset. And and the first year was Mark's last year there. And uh I had no idea what I was doing. Like, you know, we've all been new teachers. And I not only was I a speech teacher, but I was the debate coach and I was
050the speak the drama teacher or coach. I had no idea what I was doing. And and I went to Mark of course right away, young teacher put his arm around me. "Yeah, we get to do this." And and helped lead us through to have a great In fact, it's one of the uh conference championships that Winterset's got in debate. Uh Mark was uh essentially mentoring me through that whole process. And um and then we had the the I had the good benefit to come here in 99 the same year that Mark came here and um just has always been there along my side. I've been along his side through a lot of tough things um and a lot of great things and I'll always be grateful for you and all your work and your service
051to so many people. Thank you, Mark. >> Next we will have Margaret Young, our school board president, provide closing remarks. >> Wow, thank you guys. You know, as I listen to all of these beautiful tributes um I'm convinced that teachers are the best people in the whole planet. Um I heard a lot of things that were great. You show up every day with deep kindness, with compassion, with patience and you find ways to connect with every student to find that one thing that they're interested in. How you know the name of every single person in the building and how you pass along to every student that they belong and you coach them to be good humans and you support each other and you help each other grow. And every day you inspire our students to
052believe that they can. And the impact that you've made to our students and to each other and to our community is legendary. And that legacy that you leave is built through with thousands of interactions every day. Those smiles, the patient moments, the time you sit down and you listen and you identify the needs and you you meet them. And someone eloquently said earlier that there's that butterfly effect. So, can you imagine the butterfly effect of those thousands of interactions every day over thousands and thousands of days? And I'm convinced with all of that that you've created enough positive force to change the world. So, thank you. We appreciate you. And enjoy. Spend that time with the grandkids and have a cup of coffee. So. Thank you. We'd like to welcome you to enjoy some refreshments
053in the back. Um take some time, mingle. I do want to warn you though. We have our board meeting starting at 6:00 and if you stay too long, you'll have to stay. So, thank you. >> Mhm. >> go ahead and and the board president will open the public hearing. >> All right, it is 6:01 so we'll get started. Our first order of business is the public hearing for fiscal year 2016 certified budget amendment. May anyone have public comment? Hearing none, put in motion. All right, then we'll do our call to order and Julie will lead us with roll call. >> Horton? >> Here. >> Hauser? >> Here. >> Kent? >> Here. >> Santizo? >> Here. >> Van Ryzin? Williams? >> Here. >> Yeah. >> Here. >> You have a quorum. >> I have a motion
054to approve the agenda with a modification. We have decided to table item 13 C, D, and E. The reason for that is to leave before the storm comes. >> So moved. >> I have a second. >> Horton will second. >> Uh all in favor say I. >> I. >> Opposed, nay. Motion passes. Director Rediger, will you read us the district mission mission and vision, please? >> All right, district mission is teach all, reach all. District vision is Urbana will be a school district that brings learning to life for everyone. And the board mission is to partner with stakeholders to teach all and reach all through governance, board policy, and operating protocol. >> All right. Next up, we have a check presentation from ABC of Iowa and L.A. Fulton and Sons. Yeah, please do. >> Good
055evening. We just want to take a few seconds, not be here long, but each year ABC of Iowa, Associated Builders and Contractors, hosts our Excellence in Construction Awards where we recognize member businesses and the work that they've done in the communities that they that they do business in. And this last year, L.A. Fulton and Sons, who has done some work for Urbandale Middle School, was recognized for that work. Their project that they did for the middle school was then reviewed by construction professionals. They were awarded an Excellence in Construction Award. As a part of that award, they were asked to share a thousand dollars with community member of their choice, and they chose to share a thousand dollars with Urbandale School District in order to support your construction trades and your CTE programs. And so,
056we've already done the pictures and all of that, but I am Daryl Wright. I'm the Apprenticeship Outreach Coordinator for ABC of Iowa. With me today is Wes Fulton of L.A. Fulton and Sons. And Wes, did you want to say anything? >> Uh All I would say is that being in construction and living in Urbandale, uh you know, it's been a lot of great pride doing a lot of projects here, both for the school district or city projects. So, it was great to finally give back in the form of a check for once. >> So, we just want you to know that not only Fulton Mechanical, LA Fulton & Sons, as well as ABC of Iowa proud supporters of Urbandale High School, Urbandale Middle School, and our students and their future success. And we're grateful for
057the opportunity to continue to support you. >> Thank you. Next, let me introduce Mr. Steve Sayre, who is our interim superintendent. >> Thank you, Margaret. Thank you, everyone. I'd like to thank the board for allowing me this opportunity. I spent 7 years as a superintendent. It's great to be back in the saddle. And I want to say to everyone here that's a part of Urbandale. It has been, even though a short so far, it's it's been outstanding. The staff here is phenomenal. And the people that in the in the district office and the people in the buildings that I've got to meet, second to none. So, I really appreciate having the opportunity to be here and in serving this role. There's a couple of things that I wanted to share. This, as you know, we
058had a situation Friday late in our community with a fire in an apartment complex. So, I wanted to bring everyone here a little bit of an update from that situation because we had several students that were impacted from that. So, if you'll allow me, I wanted to just thank the community for the outpouring of support you shown for our Urbandale families affected by last Friday's fire at Cross Creek Apartments. We're all in the process of working with our families impacted by the fire to support their well-being, understand their immediate needs, and connect them with the essential resources during this really very difficult time. As soon as we identify the most helpful items and donation methods, we'll share that information with our community. Our thoughts continue to be with our families as as they begin to
059recover. We have so much to be proud of in Urbandale, but at the top of the list is most certainly the compassionate and caring people who make Urbandale so special as I referenced just a few moments ago. So, thank you again for you can your continued kindness and support for these individuals and these families that have had this tragedy. So, I wanted to bring the board and the community up to date. I I do want to specifically say at that particular time it was very impressive how the people of this school district responded. I'm going to call out Lauren, Stephanie, Dina, the staff at the school, other district administrators who just jumped in and made sure that everything could be done in a moment's notice for these families that that we serve. So, I I
060wanted to to let you know that. Um So, thank you to everybody and and we wish those families the best. Um Because of the families and the support of this district, if there's anybody out there who has not yet made that effort to enroll their students in this fine school district, I would encourage you to do so ASAP. I can speak first hand as an outsider coming in for just a handful of days that this is a place where I'd want my kids to go. So, I would encourage you to get those your students, I'm speaking to parents and guardians, take to have your students registered as soon as possible. So, with that Margaret, I end my portion. >> Thank you. >> Yes. And I guess I and have the honor right now to introduce
061Brandon Schrout who is going to, uh, present to us the Seal of Biliteracy. Brandon. >> Yeah, so this this evening we would like to recognize, uh, the 24 students, uh, that attained the Seal of Biliteracy. The Seal of Biliteracy is an honor recognized by the state as well as our district, uh, for students that, uh, are demonstrate proficiency in English and at least one other language. And so, uh, those students that are here, uh, to receive your recognition, if you could come up front and we're going to have you introduce yourself in the language, uh, that you attained the Seal in, okay? So, come on up. >> Hi, I'm Kate and I got my Seal in Spanish. >> Hello, I'm Layla Grahovic and I got my Seal of Biliteracy in Bosnian. >> I'm Brooklyn and
062I got my Seal in Spanish. >> My name's Delaney and I got my Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish. >> I'm Areeb, I got my Seal in Bengali. >> I'm Kendall, I got my Seal in Spanish. >> I'm Maya, I got my Seal in Spanish. >> I'm Juliana, I got my Seal in Spanish. >> I'm Leah, I got my Seal in Spanish. >> I'm Sam, I got my Seal in Spanish. >> I'm Oscar, I got my Seal in German. >> All right, A ROUND OF APPLAUSE. >> CONGRATULATIONS. ALL RIGHT, NEXT STEP. IS there anyone here for public comment? >> Well, you make your way up. I have to read this like the flight attendant on an airplane. Thank you for coming tonight. Our board policy limits comments to 3 minutes per speaker and for confidentiality reasons
063the board cannot discuss specific personnel matters and we appreciate your comments. The board has a significant interest in maintaining the decorum of its meetings and expects that members of the public and board will address each other with civility. The orderly process of the board meeting will not be interfered with or disrupted by public comment. Only individuals recognized by the board president will be allowed to speak. Comments by others are out of order. If disrupted, the individual causing disruption may be asked to leave the board meeting. Defamatory comments may be subject to legal action. Please go ahead. Tell us your name and your address. >> Uh my name is Andy Alderman. I live at 7126 Madison Avenue here in Urbandale. Um I'm speaking tonight on behalf of the associates and behavior tech teams of each of
064our schools. We are here tonight because we care deeply about our students and we're committed to providing the essential support they need to thrive. However, the current compensation structure in our district is creating significant financial hardships for our support staff. Tonight I want to briefly share the reality of our financial landscape and propose some possible solutions. A year-round pay option and an increase to our wage structure. On average our hourly pay rate is between $18 and $20. This sounds like a relatively high amount for prospective employees. But unlike traditional jobs, our earning potential is restricted by the actual calendar. When you factor in standard school days, professional learning days, and unpaid lunches, our staff works roughly 1,350 hours annually. At $20 an hour that equates to a gross annual income of $27,000. To put this
065in a perspective, I want to contrast our roles which take an immense emotional toll and at times physical risk with an entry-level position in our community. If someone works full-time at a grocery store making just $14 an hour, their gross annual income is over $29,000. Despite our specialized roles and earning $6 more per hour, school support staff earn over $2,100 less per year than a full-time retail employee. This disparity forces many of our dedicated educational professionals to seek second jobs or worse, to leave the district entirely. This constant turnover is a liability to the district because we are leaving our most vulnerable students at risk and making us subject to lawsuits by not following IEPs. This leaves our staff dangerously close or even under the federal poverty line. For family of three, the 2026 federal
066poverty line is $27,310. This means a full-time behavior tech or associate providing for two children is technically living under the poverty line. Beyond the total salary, our staff faces another massive hidden hardship, the irregularity of our paychecks. Because we are strictly hourly, our incomes drop drastically during special during scheduled school closures. This lack of stability causes immense financial and emotional stress for those who dedicate their lives to our students. We are the front lines of student support. To sustain this vital workforce, we formally request the board to consider two solutions. First, implement a year-round pay option. Allow support staff to have the choice to extend our 10-month earnings divided over 12 months. The cost to the district would be no additional wage money, but it provides immense budgeting relief for staff. Second, reevaluate the base
067wage. Conduct a wage audit aimed at increasing our hourly rate, ensuring that our 1,350 hours yield a truly livable wage. When the district invests in its support staff, it invests directly in school success and school stability. Thank you for your time. >> Thank you, Amy. >> Our next order of business is to appoint an interim director of business services. If you came for the retirement reception, you will saw that we honored Steve Richmond and we'd like to appoint Brandy Crawford as our interim director of business services. >> Call the roll call. >> It's going to just briefly be a yay or nay. So, we need a a motion and a second. >> What questions might anyone have? >> I just had a question on if we're approving through June 30th or through when a replacement's
068hired, recognizing they might plan to be the same, but what if if the timeline changes, what are we approving through? >> The 30th. >> Through the 30th. >> So, depending on when everything falls into place in June, that may be extended. >> All in favor, please say aye. >> Oh, can I have a motion? >> That's okay. So excited. >> I'll move to appoint Brandy Crawford as the interim director of business services. >> Okay. >> I'll second. >> Thank you. All in favor, please say aye. >> Aye. >> Opposed, nay. Brandy, would you join us at the table, please? So, acknowledging Steve's retirement, we also need to remove him as the signer on our bank accounts. Do I have a motion to do so? >> I make a motion to remove Steve Richmond as signer
069on the corporate account. >> Do I have a second? >> Courtney will second. >> All in favor, please say aye. >> Aye. >> Opposed, nay. Motion carries. Do I have a motion to bring forward the consent agenda? >> So moved. >> Second? >> Courtney will Are there any points of conversation? >> I have a question on 11D. I read through and didn't see a term, so I was curious that was a one-time software purchase or if it's a new contract and maybe I just missed >> Yeah, I can speak to that with the Brightly software. So, we currently use Brightly software. So, it's a current one. However, there's going to be an addition to that current subscription that would be allowing the maintenance department to better plan for repairs and replacements of items as they
070need to be done and keep track of everything in that same location. So, it's for a 13-month contract starting 6/1 of '26 to 6/30 of '27. So, then it would be a yearly renewal after that. But, it is something that we already have. The difference in cost is about $9,000 between what we pay now and what we would pay. So, all in favor, please say or is it roll call is >> roll call. >> Okay. >> If there's no more conversation, um we'll start with Horton. >> Yes. >> Howser? >> Yes. >> Kent? >> Yes. >> Sentezo? >> Yes. >> Williams? >> Yes. >> Young? >> Yes. >> Motion passes 6-0. >> Okay, we next have action items from our meeting on May 4th. A series of curriculum approving, improvements. >> I don't approvals. >>
071Approvals, thank you. Um baby, before we go through these one by one, does anyone have any questions to call out? All right, then I'll entertain a motion for the first one for K-12 digital citizenship. I'll move to approve the K-12 digital citizenship curriculum. >> Councilor Tezel. >> Okay. Councilor Tezel has it. >> Councilor Tezel. >> Roll call or >> These are all yay votes. >> Okay. All in favor, please say aye. >> Aye. >> Opposed, nay. Motion carries. And we'll move to the 6-12 business curriculum review. >> Councilor >> I'll move to approve the 6-12 business curriculum. >> Horton will second. >> All in favor, please say aye. >> Aye. >> Opposed, nay. Motion carries. Our next one is the K-12 music curriculum review. Do you have a motion? >> Councilor will move to approve
072the music curriculum for K-12. >> Councilor Tezel will second. >> All in favor, please say aye. >> Aye. >> Opposed, nay. Motion carries. We got two more. All right. 9-12 social studies electives. >> Horton will move to approve the 9-12 social studies electives curriculum. >> Who wants to second? >> Councilor will second. >> All in favor, please say aye. >> Aye. >> Opposed, nay. Motion carries. And the last one is our 6-12 journalism curriculum review. >> Councilor will move to approve the 6-12 journalism curriculum. >> Councilor Tezel will second. >> All in favor, say aye. >> Aye. >> Opposed, nay. Motion carries. And our next order of business is an amendment to the fiscal year 2026 certified budget amendment. Pass that on to Brandy for more context as needed. We had our hearing earlier. >>
073Yes. Um so, that's to amend the fiscal year '26 budget that we're currently in and that document was on there. Um, and the public hearing, we didn't have any comments, but um, the amendment is done pretty much yearly here for um, accounting for any of those expenses that came up that we weren't accounting for in the beginning when the budget was set almost a year and a half in advance, so. >> This is also a I A. >> No, we're going to go ahead and make you do a roll call for this one. >> So, motions? >> Williams moves uh, recommendation of the fiscal year '26 certified budget amendment. >> Wharton will second. >> Okay. And then we start with Hauser. >> Yes. >> Kent? >> Yes. >> Santizo? >> Yes. >> Williams? >> Yes.
074>> Young? >> Yes. >> Wharton? >> Yes. >> Motion passes 6-0. >> And our last order of business is to reject the bids received for the video board improvement project. And Brandy, can you give us some context or Eric? >> Do you want us to give context for that? >> I'll let Eric speak a little bit to that. >> All right. Good evening. Good to see everybody tonight. Um, yeah, so, on April 21st, um, we did put out or prior to that we had put out uh, for bids for new video boards at the stadium and uh, in the gymnasium. And um, on April 21st, we took bids. Um, we received one bid. Um, and while that is not a a justification in of itself to reject a bid, um, through some of our research,
075um, did understand that there may be some anomalies within that. And so, um, I think um, through some minor changes, uh, in the documents, we can uh, I think we can do better. Um, so, what I'm advocating is that we uh, we reject the bid tonight. Um, and then we are prepared to reissue those bids um, tomorrow. Um, and then we would uh, receive uh, bids on June 2nd, the afternoon June 2nd, um and then be able to take this uh for board action on on June 8th. Um, all of this again, you know, we're still holding to the schedule for August, um so that we can meet your uh football schedule. Um, some of that is weather-dependent and some of the work-dependent, uh but at least from the information that I have at this
076moment that um we're we're being assured that that can be met. So, we'll continue to monitor that as as we go along. So. >> Thank you. >> So, I would move to reject the bids that we received for the video board improvements. >> Horton will second. >> Horton, okay. >> All in favor, I. >> I. Opposed, nay. >> Motion carries. >> Do you need the uh bid date established for June 2nd at this point? >> But, we're going to go We've tabled that item. >> Sorry. >> We've tabled that item. And that's okay. We're going to go ahead and actually get a little bit more information from um the AD. And then we'll probably be bringing it to you on the 8th. Bring it to the board on the 8th. So, we're going to adjust
077uh the information that's in the agenda and bring it to you at a later date. >> Okay. In that case, I move to adjourn. >> Horton will second. >> All in favor, say get home before it rains. >> I. >> Okay, thank you. It is 6:23. >> think we have to officially