JASPER COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD MAY 2025 MEETING RECAP

The Jasper County School Board of Education held its regular monthly meeting on Monday night in Newton. Key actions and updates from the meeting include:

Financial and Administrative Approvals:

  • Approved payment of all April bills.
  • Approved a financing agreement with Peoples State Bank in Newton for the purchase of seven Bluebird 71-passenger school buses.
  • Approved a Technology Lease/Purchase Agreement with Dieterich Bank.
  • Approved handbooks for all district schools for the 2025–2026 school year.
  • Approved the updated Jasper County Acceptable Use Policy for Technology.

Budget and Calendar Notes:

  • Scheduled an Amended Budget Hearing for June 23 at 6:20 p.m. at the District Office.
  • Announced that the last day of school for students will be Friday, May 23.

Facilities Updates:

  • Noted several summer building projects, including classroom updates at NCHS and roof repairs at both Newton Community High School and Newton Elementary School.

Personnel Updates:

  • Accepted the resignations of the following staff:
    • Ellie Burris, NCHS Math Teacher
    • Sara Beam, JCJH Math Teacher
    • Justin Kelsheimer, Jenna Kremer, and Caddie Howard, NES Teachers
    • Stephanie West, JCJH Social Studies Teacher
    • Rick Brown, Bus Driver
  • Approved new hires:
    • Haze Swisher – NCHS Night Custodian
    • Kashtyn Shull – Ste. Marie Teacher
    • Claire Griffith – NES Teacher
    • Nathan Smith – Summer Building Maintenance
    • Jill Michl – Summer Transportation
    • Emma Nadler – Summer IT Department
    • Taylor Schmidt – Paraprofessional
  • Noted open positions currently being advertised, including a bus driver and several teaching roles.

Next Meeting:
The next School Board meeting is scheduled for June 23.