Homecoming a success at East Union

AFTON - Taking time out of a busy meeting, East Union’s board of directors and other district staff thanked the contributions from the community during homecoming week.

East Union celebrated their homecoming from Sept. 15-19, where student activities and Eagle pride received a high level of energy.

Sept. 16’s volleyball triangular ended with East Union’s girls going 1-1 on the day, and the Sept. 19 football game gave a victory over Lenox 22-18.

District staff thanked everyone involved with homecoming events, with special praise to Clarissa McCollough, Allison Cheers and the East Union Student Council. East Union celebrated homecoming with a “decades” theme, each day of the week representing a new decade.

Superintendent Tim Kuehl said homecoming was fun and exciting and that the school culture was “at the best it’s ever been.”

“Our kids are competing at a high level right now,” Kuehl said. “It’s a good thing to be a part of.”

Board President Adam Tallmon praised the atmosphere of both sporting events, and noted the fundraising opportunities the week provided for school organizations.

Although the homecoming parade was canceled, the queen’s coronation on Sept. 18 was a success, with Paul McNeill named Homecoming King and Kelsie Claiser named Queen.

In other East Union news...

McCollough, in her role as online learner facilitator, presented a closing presentation for East Union’s Greece/Italy trip through Education First. Students on the paid trip were able to be immersed in Italian culture, such as seeing the Roman Colosseum, before heading to the Balkans in Greece.

Planning has already begun for the next EF trip scheduled for 2028. A 9-day student journey through Japan was proposed. Student cost would be about $5,419. The trip would take students through guided tours of Japan, including Mount Fuji and Kyoto.

Early Childhood Center Director Peggy Hardy expressed disappointment in her report to the board over missing two grant opportunities. The Iowa Continuum of Care grant was denied which Hardy said was “not too surprising.”

However, the ECC was also denied the Iowa Women’s Foundation grant, despite being in the top 40 applicants for the grant.

Rates for ECC programs will increase for the current school year. A drop-in daily rate for infant and toddler classes through 4-year-old classes was added at a rate of $32 a day. An infant holding fee of $50 a month was created for newborns, allowing for families to reserve a spot in infant classes before their baby is born.

Increases to before-and-after school programs for school aged children was also introduced at the ECC, with prices to increase about 6-9%.

During the board meeting in October, East Union will hold a public hearing to extend the travel time for bus transportation to 90 minutes for high school students and 75 minutes for elementary. With East Union’s district covering a large amount of Union County, this was considered essential for getting students to school safely.

A decision to accept fuel bids for the district was tabled as East Union will hope to renegotiate quoted prices with Agriland or New Coop. With fluctuating prices, East Union is hoping to create a price ceiling with the option for payments to decrease over time. Both companies have suggested prices would likely decrease.

Justin Bane was approved for the position of facilities and grounds director. The district highlighted a background in construction as well as a code enforcement officer, jailor and warehouse manager as valued experience for the position. Bane will begin his role on Oct. 20 after his previous contract expires.

East Union will continue a search for a special education teacher. In the meantime, the district has hired Jessica Carter as a long-term substitute for the position while she works toward a Secondary ELA degree. Carter had previously worked at Creston Schools in a similar capacity.

Completing a memorandum of understanding with the city of Afton, East Union approved for the school’s electronic sign to be the location for a security camera. Afton will provide, install and maintain the camera with East Union providing the location and electrical power.

Rachel Warnke, a music teacher at East Union, reported to the board a donation the district received. A new drum set was gifted to the district by Brandon Hysell after he heard the old drum set was the same one he used when he was in school.

Two HVAC systems will receive replacement parts. A replacement compressor will be purchased for $9,773.85 and a replacement heat pump for $19,102.62.

An allowable growth request for special education supplement was approved. In 2024-25, East Union had a negative balance in special education of $497,790.96. This amount is typical for East Union according to Kuehl.

The following contracts were approved: Olivia Findley, student early childhood associate; Josie Chew, student early childhood associate; Kayla Haag, preschool para.