School Board Agenda & Packet Summary – EM – July 15, 2026

Meeting Information

• Public Body: East Marshall Community School District
• Organization Type: school-district
• Government Body: school-boards
• Meeting Title: 07/15/2026 - 06:00 PM Regular Board Meeting Board Meeting
• Meeting Date: 2026-07-15
• City: Gilman
• County: Marshall County
• State: iowa
• Meeting Source URL: https://simbli.eboardsolutions.com/SB_Meetings/ViewMeeting.aspx?S=36031093&MID=32135
• Meeting Listing URL: https://simbli.eboardsolutions.com/SB_Meetings/SB_MeetingListing.aspx?S=36031093
• Public Body Website: https://www.emmustangs.org/page/east-marshall-school-board
• Meeting Video URL: Not available
• Video Channel URL: Not available

What Community Members Should Know

The July 15, 2026 East Marshall Community School District board meeting focuses on several decisions that could shape district operations, finances, technology, athletics, and staffing for the coming school year. The board is scheduled to consider operational sharing agreements with Montezuma Community Schools, updates to athletic participation policies, technology investments, routine financial business, personnel matters, and facility maintenance.

One of the meeting's most significant topics is a proposed reciprocal operational sharing arrangement between East Marshall and Montezuma. District leaders state the agreement would generate approximately $90,200 annually in additional state supplementary weighting beginning in FY2028, with an estimated net benefit of roughly $75,200 after a proposed retention incentive. The proposal would have East Marshall Superintendent Kevin Seney serve one day per week as Montezuma's Secondary Curriculum Director while Montezuma Superintendent Rich Schulte serves one day per week as East Marshall's Special Education Director.

Board members are also expected to consider revisions allowing eighth-grade students to participate in high school athletics under limited circumstances. Rather than creating broad eligibility, the proposal establishes a narrowly defined exception process intended for highly skilled students or situations where participation numbers are too low to sustain varsity or junior varsity programs.

Financially, the district reports preliminary FY2026 results showing substantial year-over-year spending reductions despite an unfinished fiscal year close. The board will also review technology licensing, approve additional funding for previously authorized iPad purchases after an Apple price increase, approve annual facility maintenance, and consider disposal of surplus kitchen equipment. Personnel recommendations, superintendent and technology reports, and annual policy reviews round out the agenda.

Major Discussion and Action Items

Operational Sharing Agreement with Montezuma Community Schools

The board's most consequential action item is approval of reciprocal 28E operational sharing agreements between East Marshall and Montezuma Community Schools.

Under the proposal, Superintendent Kevin Seney would devote 0.20 FTE (approximately one day per week) to serving as Montezuma's Secondary Curriculum Director while remaining employed by East Marshall. In return, Montezuma Superintendent Rich Schulte would provide 0.20 FTE of Special Education Director services to East Marshall. Each district would retain its own superintendent as the employer of record, and each district would reimburse the other $15,000 annually, effectively offsetting those payments.

District administrators state the arrangement qualifies East Marshall for approximately 11 additional supplementary weighting FTEs under Iowa law beginning in FY2028, producing roughly $90,200 in annual state revenue and an estimated net annual district benefit of about $75,200 after the proposed retention incentive. Board members are expected to determine whether concerns raised during the previous month's discussion have been adequately addressed before approving the agreements.

Proposed Eighth-Grade High School Athletics Policy

The board will discuss and potentially approve revisions to Policy 504.06 governing student participation in interscholastic athletics.

The proposal would allow eighth-grade students to compete at the high school level only with parent or guardian permission and only through a case-by-case review conducted by the Activities Director, varsity head coach, and, when appropriate, the athletic trainer. Decisions would be final and not subject to appeal.

Students would qualify only if they demonstrate exceptional varsity-level readiness or if participation is necessary to maintain viable varsity or junior varsity programs because of low enrollment. Students approved for high school participation could not simultaneously compete on an eighth-grade team during the same season. District leaders emphasize the proposal is intended to create a limited exception rather than a broad expansion of eligibility.

Technology Investments and Network Infrastructure

Technology is another major focus.

The board will consider approving a five-year Meraki licensing renewal with Riverside Technologies totaling $63,202.40 through the federal E-Rate program. Administrators indicate the purchase was delayed after the quote was inadvertently missed earlier in the procurement cycle, but a 30-day extension allows the district to complete the renewal.

The board is also being asked to approve an additional $14,000 for elementary iPads after Apple increased prices by $100 per device following the board's earlier authorization of 140 iPads for approximately $55,061. Because the purchase occurred after July 1 for the 2026-27 school year, the higher pricing applies.

Preliminary FY2026 Financial Position

Board members will receive preliminary June financial reports covering activity through June 30.

The district has recorded approximately $8.16 million in revenues and $9.40 million in expenditures, resulting in a preliminary operating deficit of roughly $1.24 million and a preliminary fund balance of about $1.29 million. Administrators stress these figures remain incomplete because year-end accruals—including transportation reimbursements, open enrollment tuition, and special education billing—will continue through mid-August before audit completion.

More significant than the temporary year-end deficit is the reported reduction of approximately $1.78 million in annual expenditures compared with FY2025. District leadership views those structural spending reductions as an important step toward rebuilding financial stability during FY2027.

Personnel and Staffing

Personnel recommendations include approval of contracts for Jill Philby as an elementary special services teacher, Shelley Rozak and Gloria Harris as elementary special services associates, and Stacy Netolicky as an elementary special services associate with summer custodial duties.

The board is also scheduled to consider the resignation of custodian Angie Strain and approve volunteer coaches for football, basketball, wrestling, and softball programs.

Separately, administrators seek board discussion regarding future human resources support. Rather than requesting approval immediately, leadership outlines options including outside consultants, legal counsel, or engaging former administrator Cathy Busch in either an hourly employee or consulting role to provide expertise on employment law and HR compliance matters.

Facilities and Operational Maintenance

Routine but important operational matters include annual refinishing of gymnasium floors at the high school and Gilman facilities for $14,560.

The board will also consider authorizing disposal of surplus middle school kitchen equipment through GovDeals, including commercial prep tables, an industrial dishwasher, sinks, and a convection oven, consistent with district disposal policies.

Financial Matters

Several meaningful financial items appear on the agenda:

• Preliminary FY2026 revenues total approximately $8,162,433 while expenditures total approximately $9,399,254 before year-end accrual adjustments.
• District administrators report expenditures declined approximately $1,778,210 compared with FY2025, representing a significant structural reduction in spending.
• The district projects its Unspent Authorized Budget to improve from 13.6% in FY2026 to approximately 15.2% in FY2027 after year-end adjustments.
• Annual gym floor refinishing cost totals $14,560.
• Elementary iPad purchases require an additional $14,000 because Apple increased prices by $100 per device after prior board approval.
• The proposed five-year Meraki licensing renewal totals $63,202.40 through Riverside Technologies using the E-Rate program.
• The operational sharing proposal is expected to generate approximately $90,200 annually beginning in FY2028, with an estimated net benefit of roughly $75,200 after the proposed retention incentive.
• The board will also review monthly bills, monthly financial reports, athletic officials' fees, college credit agreements with Iowa Valley Community College, and routine donations and fundraisers.

Policies, Ordinances, Resolutions, and Governance

The board will review recommended updates to both the 700 and 900 policy series.

The most substantive policy action involves Policy 504.06 governing student participation in interscholastic athletics. The proposal establishes a narrowly defined process allowing selected eighth-grade students to participate in high school athletics when they demonstrate exceptional readiness or when participation is necessary to sustain high school programs. The proposal also prohibits dual participation on eighth-grade and high school teams during the same season.

The agenda includes no resolutions for consideration.

Reports, Presentations, and Informational Updates

The superintendent's July board report and the monthly technology report provide updates on district operations.

Administrators also present detailed discussion materials explaining the operational sharing proposal, expected financial benefits, peer district comparisons, and implementation considerations.

The preliminary financial report emphasizes that although the fiscal year has not yet been fully closed, expenditure reductions across major spending categories represent an important milestone in improving the district's long-term financial position. The board also receives information regarding HR support options and ongoing technology needs.

Personnel, Appointments, and Organizational Matters

Personnel recommendations include multiple instructional support contracts, one custodian resignation, and approval of volunteer athletic coaches.

The operational sharing proposal would also modify administrative responsibilities by assigning Superintendent Kevin Seney curriculum responsibilities for Montezuma while bringing Superintendent Rich Schulte into a part-time Special Education Director role for East Marshall.

The HR discussion signals continued planning for specialized personnel support as the district evaluates the most cost-effective approach for handling employment law, payroll, leave administration, and compliance issues during FY2027.

Projects, Facilities, Infrastructure, and Operations

Technology infrastructure receives significant attention through the proposed five-year Meraki licensing renewal.

Facility maintenance includes annual refinishing of gymnasium floors to preserve athletic facilities before the upcoming school year.

Operational improvements also include replacing elementary iPads, disposing of obsolete commercial kitchen equipment through public sale, approving annual college credit agreements with Iowa Valley Community College, and preparing athletic schedules through approval of officials and entry fees.

Public Hearings and Opportunities for Community Input

The meeting includes a public comment period near the beginning of the agenda.

Members of the public may address matters within the board's authority for up to three minutes each. The board notes that comments create a public record and that discussion is generally limited to matters already within the board's jurisdiction under Iowa open meetings requirements.

No separate public hearings are identified in the packet.

Community Impact

Students and families could see expanded opportunities for exceptional eighth-grade athletes while also benefiting from updated classroom technology and continued dual-credit partnerships with Iowa Valley Community College.

Taxpayers may be most interested in the operational sharing proposal because district leaders project meaningful additional state revenue without increasing local costs through reciprocal administrative sharing.

Employees and administrators may be affected by staffing changes, HR support planning, policy revisions, and shared leadership responsibilities.

Athletes, coaches, and families will be directly affected by decisions regarding eighth-grade eligibility, volunteer coaching appointments, athletic officials, and facility maintenance.

The broader community has an interest in the district's continued efforts to stabilize finances through reduced expenditures while maintaining educational services and investing in technology infrastructure.

Questions Community Members May Want to Ask

• How will the operational sharing arrangement affect the superintendent's availability within East Marshall?
• What safeguards will ensure educational quality remains the district's primary focus under the sharing agreement?
• How will the projected $75,200 annual net benefit be incorporated into future budgets?
• What standards will be used to evaluate whether an eighth-grade athlete demonstrates varsity readiness?
• How frequently are exceptions for eighth-grade participation expected to occur?
• What technology improvements will result from the Meraki licensing renewal?
• Are additional technology purchases anticipated after the elementary iPad replacement?
• How will the district continue rebuilding reserves following the reported spending reductions?
• What criteria will determine the preferred approach for future HR consulting services?
• What additional financial adjustments are expected before the FY2026 audit is completed?

Important Dates, Deadlines, and Next Steps

• July 15, 2026: Board considers operational sharing agreements, policy revisions, personnel actions, technology purchases, and routine business.
• July 1, 2026–June 30, 2027: Proposed operational sharing agreements would be effective during the 2026-27 school year.
• Mid-August 2026: FY2026 financial accruals are expected to be completed before audit closing.
• FY2027: District expects expenditure reductions to begin rebuilding financial reserves.
• FY2028: Additional supplementary weighting revenue from the operational sharing agreement is projected to begin if approved.
• 2026 Fall Sports Season: Approved officials, schedules, and volunteer coaches would support athletic operations throughout the school year.
• Annual Renewal: Operational sharing agreements would be eligible for renewal by mutual agreement.

Key Takeaways

• East Marshall is considering a reciprocal operational sharing agreement with Montezuma.
• The proposal could generate approximately $90,200 annually in additional state funding beginning in FY2028.
• District leaders estimate a net annual financial benefit of roughly $75,200.
• Preliminary FY2026 spending declined approximately $1.78 million compared with the prior year.
• Final FY2026 financial results remain subject to year-end accrual adjustments.
• The board will consider allowing limited eighth-grade participation in high school athletics through a case-by-case process.
• A five-year Meraki licensing renewal totaling $63,202.40 is scheduled for approval.
• Elementary iPad purchases require an additional $14,000 because of manufacturer price increases.
• Personnel recommendations include new instructional support contracts, a resignation, and volunteer coaching appointments.
• Facility maintenance includes annual refinishing of district gymnasium floors and disposal of surplus kitchen equipment.

Official Sources

• Meeting source: https://simbli.eboardsolutions.com/SB_Meetings/ViewMeeting.aspx?S=36031093&MID=32135
• Meeting listing: https://simbli.eboardsolutions.com/SB_Meetings/SB_MeetingListing.aspx?S=36031093
• Public body website: https://www.emmustangs.org/page/east-marshall-school-board
• Meeting video: Not available
• Video channel: Not available

About the Public Body

• Name: East Marshall Community School District
• Organization type: school-district
• Government body: school-boards
• Location: Gilman, iowa
• County: Marshall County
• Provider: simbli

Keywords

East Marshall Community School District, East Marshall Mustangs, Gilman Iowa, Marshall County, Regular Board Meeting, July 15 2026, operational sharing, Montezuma Community Schools, Kevin Seney, Rich Schulte, supplementary weighting, Policy 504.06, eighth-grade athletics, varsity eligibility, Meraki licensing, Riverside Technologies, E-Rate, elementary iPads, gym floor refinishing, financial report, FY2026 budget, HR assistance, Iowa Valley Community College, Senior Year Plus, volunteer coaches, personnel, kitchen equipment, GovDeals, technology report