NL Schools Exploring the Addition of Ag. Classes

The New London school board met in regular session on Feb. 17, 2025 with all members present. Jason Denning and Ethan Faeth spoke during public forum concerning the establishment of an ag program/FFA at New London. Both feel that such a program is very beneficial and provides invaluable opportunities for students. They stressed that today’s version is so much more than farming.

The board approved the agenda and consent agenda. They then moved on to fundraisers and donations. A golf apparel and boys and girls track apparel fundraisers were approved. They also approved the donation of a $400 beef certificate from the Henry County Cattleman’s Association to be used in the Family Consumer Science department.

In reports, elementary principal Todd Palmatier spoke to what’s going on at Clark. A person from the University of Delaware met with the teachers to look at the Bookworms curriculum. From an unbiased source, the teachers got kudos for the job they are doing.

The PTO family fun night is Feb. 27. It is A Night at the Living Museum. Also parent-teacher conferences are coming up March 11 & 13.

Secondary principal Scott Kracht encouraged the group to attend the spring musical. Class scheduling is also fast approaching and parents can have input. He looked at tardy and absentee data. There have been 49% less tardies and chronic absenteeism is down 64% since last year.

Superintendent Wahls encouraged everyone to reach out to the Iowa legislators and let them know that 2% new money is just not enough.

In personnel matters, the board accepted the following resignations: Brittany Earhart, an elementary teacher; and Charity Ngugi, a full-time substitute.

School Board President Mike McBeth went over financial issues with the board which is one of three areas where the board has the ability to act. He then went over the recent financial issues of which the board has been made aware:

McBeth made it clear that no one is opposed to adding ag to the curriculum, but the financial situation made him a little nervous, with the district’s unspent balance declining over the last several years.

Superintendent Wahls added that the unspent balance contained a lot of COVID moneys with a timeline to spend it. COVID moneys have ended.

There are currently three sections of the elementary grades K, 1, 3-5. Next year grades 1, 4, and 5 will have three sections. As they go to high school, that third teacher will be absorbed unless the kindergarten classes are 50 or larger. Two were absorbed this year. That will continue and the dollars saved could be put toward programming.

Wahls’ recommendation would be to continue sharing next year and also provide transportation to the host school. The group wanting to add the ag curriculum will need to raise $210,000 to fund the classes for three years. The money will be put in a foundation and the teacher would be paid from that foundation. At the end of three years, the district will take over the Ag. funding. The Mt. Pleasant program was started in the same way. Wahls’ recommendation failed to get a motion.

Becky Hays discussed seeking a teacher for the 2025-2026 school year if the group can raise at least $100,000 quickly. She feels the longer it’s put off the less it will happen.

After some discussion, Hays made a motion to start the ag program in the coming 25-26 school year or FY 26, contingent upon a parent/community group raising $100,000 the first year with the goal of $210,000 in full by January of 2026. With a roll-call vote, Helmerson, Porter, Loyd, and Hays voted “yes ” with McBeth voting “nay.”

In other business, the board took the following actions:

The board went into a closed session to discuss negotiations. When they came out of closed session, the meeting adjourned.

The next meeting of the New London School Board will be March 24, 2025 starting at 5:30 p.m. with a public hearing on the FY26 proposed budget. It will be followed at 6 p.m. by the regular meeting.