Exciting News for the Shenandoah Community School District

At tonight’s meeting, the Board accepted a restructuring plan that included several recommendations that I am excited to share with you now. I am pleased to announce that the board approved appointing Mr. Burdorf as the Director of Communications effective the 25-26 school year.  

In this role, he will: 

• Develop and implement a proactive communications plan. 
• Oversee all district communications and branding. 
• Enhance engagement through traditional and digital media. 
• Collaborate with the superintendent and staff on key communication initiatives. 
• Promote and publicize school events and achievements. 
• Support grant writing and manage the communications budget. 
• Represent the district at community events and employment fairs. 
• Representing the district in community visioning initiatives  

 

This role is pivotal in enhancing our district's outreach and engagement with all stakeholders. We are confident that Mr. Burdorf's leadership and expertise will benefit our district, fostering stronger connections. Please join us in congratulating Mr. Burdorf on his new role.  

 

While Mr. Burdorf will not step into this role until July 1, it is important that the decision and announcement is made now so we can recruit and hire a new principal for the middle school.  That search will begin now the position has been board approved. 

 

Additionally, the board restructured the Director of Student Services into two separate roles including an Early Childhood Coordinator and a Special Education Director. This change aims to provide more intensive support for both programs which will positively impact our students and families. 

 

I am equally pleased to share the board has approved hiring a Positive Supports and Bullying Prevention Coordinator. This new role will be instrumental in: 

• Educating students using anti-bullying, intimidation, and harassment curriculums. 
• Implementing intervention strategies. 
• Investigating filed complaints. 

This position will play a crucial part in fostering a safe and supportive environment for all our students. 

Each of the positions will add value and contribute to the district's success. I fully anticipate positive outcomes and results for the students, staff, and community that are all a part of the district.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

December Board Matters

Each December, the Board of Education reorganizes by electing officers and makes annual appointments. Jean Fichter was reelected as Board President. She has served in this role for a number of years. I appreciate her willingness to continue to serve on the Board and in this position; she has provided strong leadership. Clint Wooten was nominated and elected as the Board Vice President.  Adam Van Der Vliet had previously served in this role. He continues to serve as a Director on the Board. Mr. Van Der Vliet nominated Mr. Wooten for this position, demonstrating an amicable transition of position. Additionally, Jean Fichter was appointed to represent the Board on the Page County Conference Board and Brent Twyman was appointed to represent the School Board on the Fremont County Conference Board.

The auditorium seating replacement project will begin to move forward as the Board approved the agreement with Ducharme for $168,485. The Shenandoah Iowa Education Foundation committed to fund $100,000 towards the cost of project. The donation will make a significant contribution. I am looking forward to seeing this work completed in the late spring.

The Board agreed to purchase Chromebooks and iPads to accommodate the growth in the IGNITE program and to support the kindergarten classrooms. The new devices will be a welcomed addition and surely enhance student learning.

Next week, on Monday, November 16th, the Board will meet again in a work session to discuss the direction of the JK-8 roofing and HVAC projects. They have had robust conversations about the pending construction, I anticipate good things coming as a result of their efforts.

I enjoy working with the Board. The Directors collaborate well and demonstrate solid decision making. I commend them for their efforts to guide the district.

 

District Remains Neutral

Last week, I attended part of the Page County Supervisors meeting via Zoom. During the meeting, they discussed and approved the settlement with the Shenandoah Hills Wind Energy Center. The settlement was a topic of hot debate but ultimately passed with a 2 to 1 vote. I recommend speaking directly with the County Supervisors or reading the KMA article for a detailed understanding of the rationale behind the decision. In summary, the settlement was largely influenced by the expectation that the county would lose the ongoing lawsuit, which their legal counsel advised could result in a significant liability. 

There are diverse opinions regarding the aesthetics​, environmental impacts, and many other factors regarding wind turbines. Our primary focus is on serving our students and community. While the district could potentially receive tax revenues from the Shenandoah Hill Wind Energy project, these funds have not yet been realized, and the project's progression is subject to many factors. Additionally, it is important to clarify that the district remains neutral in the ongoing debate surrounding wind turbines. 

I will continue to keep you informed as developments occur which directly impact the school district.