Van-Far R-I School District Superintendent Natalie Gibson said the district hopes to have a bond issue one year from now, in April 2026.

To that end, educators need to find out what needs the school district has, and Gibson discussed the bond election at the April 17 school board meeting.

During the meeting, Gibson discussed the future of facilities, and on April 29, facilities team representatives will walk on both district campuses. She asked board members to consider serving as facility team members, and that she prefers just two trustees to serve, because if four people show up there will be a quorum.

“We’re going to walk the campuses again, talk a little more in-depth about what we’re doing,” she said, adding it will take at least 90 minutes. A bond issue could be proposed next April, she said, and that around a $4 million bond could be on the table, but that figure has yet to be finalized and assessed values will be taken into consideration.

“We are hoping to run a no-tax increase bond in April of 2026,” she said later in an email, adding that the district needs to ensure its assessed value is stable to lock in the amount. During the needs assessment on April 29,  facility committee members will begin identifying a potential scope of work to suggest to vendors. Board members who volunteered to join the facilities team that meets on April 29 are Jess Reading and Justin Hopke with Ryan Schuckenbrock volunteering to be an alternate if one of them is unable to attend. 

“There is no facilities plan and we need one,” Gibson said in the email. “Our facilities are in good order, but improvements can always be made. A plan helps us do so to ensure an appropriate sequence occurs and that it is feasible financially.”

During his reports to the board, Brian Hummel, elementary principal, said among other remarks that a MAP awards assembly will be held on April 29 to recognize those who scored high marks on last year’s state assessment. The art show will be held from 5-7 p.m. May 1 and then the spring concert for kindergarten through second grade will be held at 7 p.m. that evening. 

Hummel said there are roughly 140 students signed up for summer school, with a breakdown of 20-22 students per grade level. Final numbers will be ready in May before summer school starts.

Junior high/high school principal Amy Newland told the board that an April blood drive attracted 32 donors. Immunizations were given to incoming eighth-graders and seniors, with 17 students who participated. The ACT was given to 34 students at the school building and then the pre-SAT to 42 freshmen in the gym. This week, a presentation called Is It Worth It?, a driver safety program will be held, Newland said.

As for senior events, prom is April 26, while awards night will be May 13, baccalaureate is May 14, senior trip on May 15 and picnic and graduation practice on May 16. Gradation will be May 18.

Two board members - Bryan Evans and Dustin Holt - were sworn in at the meeting. They were elected to the board in the April 8 election. Evans and Holt vied for a board position along with candidate Matthew Roed. During a reorganization vote, Justin Hopke was reelected president and Bryan Evans was reelected vice president.

With the regular agenda, the board approved summer school salaries for 2025, permanent sub salaries for 2025-26, amending the 2025-26 calendar (a minor change involving professional development, with no effect to students, at the beginning of the school year) and the career ladder for 2025-26. Career Ladder is a state-funded program and those who wish to participate must be certified in the area they teach and have taught for a minimum of two years, Gibson said.