WELLMAN

It was a packed house Monday night at the Mid-Prairie school board’s business meeting. Although only four of seven board members were present, friends and family of retiring paraprofessionals Julie Frieden and Jodi Kahler filled the room, eager to recognize their decades of service and wish them well in their lives’ next chapters.

Frieden retires from East Elementary, having served Mid-Prairie almost 30 years.

“Julie stepped in wherever and whenever she was needed. She supported students with care, patience, and professionalism. She didn’t just follow plans, she elevated them,” second grade teacher Kerri Bell said.

“One of the greatest things is just the joy and love that you brought all the kids that you worked with,” East Elementary Principal Robin Foster said. “You can put her with any student, and she just showed up for them every single day.”

Kahler retires from Middle School, having served 15 years with the district.

Middle School Principal Tim Bartels told a story in which he covered a student while Kahler got lunch. The student was skeptical about him, but “when she came back, he saw her walk in and just lit up.”

“To have you was their preference, and that’s a really big thing, because you changed a whole bunch of lives,” Bartels said.

“Jodi has helped in transportation a ton,” Transportation Director Teresa Hartley said, explaining that that means starting the day early and ending late. Kahler also maintained detailed logs that Hartley will miss, communicated well with parents, and “she has always had a great attitude.”

Although not present at the meeting, fourth grade teacher Maureen (Mo) Gingerich also retires from Mid-Prairie this spring after 17 years with the district.

“It’s just greatly appreciated what you guys have provided for the district and how you care,” Superintendent Brian Stone said of the retirees. “We’re very honored and happy to have had you here at Mid-Prairie.”

Board Action

Following a short break for cookies and celebration, the board moved into regular business.

Included in the consent agenda was the recommendation to hire Kristan Hunter as East Elementary Principal, which the board approved. Hunter currently serves Mid-Prairie as District Curriculum and Instruction Leader; she will replace Greg Jergens, who submitted his resignation last month.

The board approved a special education funding agreement with Grant Wood AEA in the amount of $344,000, to be in effect until June 30, 2028. The agreement is standard and complies with new state legislation.

The board approved participation in a storm protection fund deducible pool, which would lower the district’s insurance deductible for wind and hail damage from $50,000 to $10,000. Business Manager/Board Secretary Jeff Swartzentruber will also join the governing board for the pool.

The board approved a two-year rolling contract for Superintendent Stone, which includes a 3% compensation package increase for FY25-26, extendable through FY26-27. The increase is lower than the 4% increase teaching and administrative staff received; however, this is at Stone’s request, “not a reflection of performance,” Swartzentruber noted.

School Board Elections

Three seats on the Mid-Prairie School Board will be up for election in November 2025; terms will be up for Jake Snider, Gabrielle Frederick, and Jed Seward.

To run for an open seat, official paperwork must be filed with the board secretary between April 25 and Sept. 18. Filing materials can be found online at mphawks.org or picked up at the District Central Office, 1636 Hwy 22 East, Wellman.

Those with questions should contact Jeff Swartzentruber at 319-646-6093 ext. 503.

The Mid-Prairie School Board will next meet for a work session on Monday, June 23 at 6:15 p.m. at the Central Office Community Room.