The Mitchell Board of Education is set to convene on December 8, 2025, to finalize a significant update to its fundraising policy and establish the date for the upcoming school board election. The meeting will take place at 5:30 p.m. at Longfellow Elementary School, where members are expected to approve the final reading of Policy 1084, which is designed to enhance guidelines surrounding fundraising activities within the district.
The board has been actively reviewing the proposed policy over the past few months, with the initial reading approved during the November meeting. Policy 1084 aims to provide greater clarity and structure to fundraising efforts by requiring school entities and classes to adhere to specific guidelines. The updated form mandates that fundraising coordinators detail the type of fundraiser, fundraising goals, duration, and locations, ensuring a comprehensive overview of all fundraising initiatives.
Joe Childs, Superintendent of the Mitchell School District, emphasized the importance of the updated policy in his agenda notes. “The new language addresses the board’s request for enhanced clarity regarding active fundraising campaigns and the administrative oversight structure for these activities,” he stated. The policy is intended to foster increased transparency and consistency by obligating the completion of the official Fundraising Request Form (Form 1084R), securing final administrative approval, and enforcing post-event financial reporting for all school-sponsored fundraising.
Election Timeline and Board Personnel Changes
In addition to discussing the fundraising policy, the board will propose a date for the next board of education election, tentatively scheduled for June 2, 2026. This election will be conducted in cooperation with Davison County, with Deb Everson being the only board member eligible for re-election this year. Interested candidates can begin circulating petitions on February 2, 2026, with a deadline for submission set for March 24, 2026.
The meeting will also address multiple personnel changes within the district. New certified hires include Cassey Ver Hey, who will serve as the school store manager at Mitchell High School, earning $5,000; Eric Whitte, appointed as the assistant wrestling coach at Mitchell Middle School, at a salary of $2,397; and Cole Siegfried, the new head basketball coach for the 8th grade at Mitchell Middle School, with a salary of $3,143. These hires are effective from December 1, 2025, unless otherwise noted.
Additionally, several classified hires will be discussed, including Christeen Scheurenbrand, a paraeducator at L.B. Williams Elementary, at a rate of $16 per hour, effective January 1, 2026; Molly Weis, a paraeducator at Gertie Belle Rogers Elementary, at $19.17 per hour; and Shaniah Zard, who will work as an attendance secretary at Mitchell High School, at a rate of $19.50 per hour. These positions will commence on January 5, 2026.
The meeting will also address the resignation of Alyssa Allen, a paraeducator at Gertie Belle Rogers Elementary, effective November 25, 2025. Furthermore, Mitchell Technical College will see new hires, including Brooke Toupal, a custodian at a rate of $24.50 per hour, effective December 8, and John Schumacher, a commercial driver’s license instructor with a prorated salary of $41,875 effective December 15, 2025.
Additional Meeting Items and Public Participation
The agenda for the upcoming meeting also includes the consideration of surplusing seven rolls of gymnastics mats. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in public commentary, hear reports from board members, and listen to a presentation by Ryan VanZee. Following the business meeting, a tour of Longfellow Elementary School is scheduled.
The meeting will be livestreamed on the Mitchell Republic’s website, ensuring transparency and community engagement. Members of the public are welcome to attend and participate in the discussions surrounding these pivotal topics for the Mitchell School District.
