What an exciting school year this has been so far! Our students are taking full advantage of more opportunities than ever before to achieve their full potential and prepare for a fulfilling future. We have so many great stories to share, and are happy to produce this magazine for you, our community.
Our cover story in this edition features the voices of valued members of our school district and broader community. They share insight into their experiences and perspectives showcase the positive momentum in our city and county.
It is rewarding that local, state and national leaders are taking notice of the innovative work the entire school district team is doing in support of our students.
U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Chavez-Deremer toured Iowa Western to learn more about our District’s partnership for apprenticeships in a variety of fields.
Our Iowa Lieutenant Governor Chris Cournoyer visited Wilton Middle School to learn from students about their leadership and skills development opportunities in our local iJAG program.
Our State Department of Education Board approved our application to become one of only a few Iowa public school board-sponsored charter high schools. Our STEM Innovation High School is scheduled to open in the fall of 2027 after a year of planning for this exciting new educational opportunity in our community.
Closer to home, during a recent visit to the Council Bluffs Optimist Club, members shared their stories of friends and family members who are finding success thanks to the Diploma +1 opportunities students in our schools.
I know you will enjoy reading about our incredible students, staff and their accomplishments, and be proud to be part of our school community. Please follow our school district on social media for more great stories throughout the year.
Sincerely,
Dr. Vickie Murillo Superintendent Facebook: CB Supt Murillo
Achieve With Us
Do you have something you want to share with the award-winning Achieve magazine? We always appreciate story ideas, photos or anything you’d like to share with us. Please email communications@cb-schools.org with your feedback or suggestions. Thank you!
This publication would not be possible without the generous support of the Council Bluffs Schools Foundation and community donors. We extend our most sincere appreciation for their continued support of our mission.
Council Bluffs Board of Education
The Council Bluffs Board of Education typically meets the second and fourth Tuesdays of September, October, November, January, February, March, April and May. Meetings are held one Tuesday per month in June, July, August and December. Meetings are held at 6:30 p.m. in the Educational Service Center, 300 W. Broadway, Suite 1600, and they are aired live on Cox Channel 18 and the District’s YouTube channel, youtube. com/c/CouncilBluffsCommunitySchoolDistrict.
COVER PHOTO: Ryan Loots teaches a class at Thomas Jefferson High School in an illustration, which includes components generated by Google Gemini, showing how AI could transform clasroom instruction. Read more about how the Council Bluffs Community School District is embracing AI tools starting on Page 4.
ABOUT: Achieve Magazine is proudly published by the Council Bluffs Community School District, with generous funding from the Council Bluffs Schools Foundation and advertisers. A digital version of this publication can be accessed online at www.cb-schools.org. The content of this publication can be accessed through Google translate online. To request another copy of this publication, submit story suggestions, or place an advertisement, please call 712-328-6514 or email communications@cb-schools.org.
MISSION STATEMENT: The mission of the Council Bluffs Community School District is to guarantee that every student graduates with the knowledge, skills and character to become a responsible citizen and to succeed in a changing world by creating a leading-edge, inclusive educational system, which provides challenging expectations, diverse experiences, engaging curriculum and innovative teaching within a collaborative, caring community.
NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT: It is the policy of the Council Bluffs Community School District not to illegally discriminate on the basis of race, color, age (for employment), national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status (for programs), socioeconomic status (for programs), physical or mental disability, religion, creed, genetic information, ancestry, geographic location, citizenship, political party preference or belief, familial status or any other protected attribute, in its educational programs, activities or employment practices. There is a grievance procedure for processing complaints of discrimination. If you have questions or a grievance related to this policy, please contact the District’s Equity Coordinator, Tim Hamilton, 712328-6423, thamilton2@cb-schools.org, 300 W. Broadway, Suite 1600, Council Bluffs, IA 51503.
COUNCIL BLUFFS COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT, 300 W. Broadway, Suite 1600, Council Bluffs, IA 51503 Achieve Magazine | Issue 25 | Winter 2026
ACHIEVE: The Magazine of the Council Bluffs Community School District
Angela Griner Board Member
Teresa Hardiman Board Member
Patrick Peters Board Member
David Coziahr Board Member
Jared Tripp Board President
Lauren Myers Board Vice President
Tracy Ozzello Board Member
SHARED VISION
School District Progress Moves Community Forward
In Council Bluffs, progress isn’t just a goal, it’s a mindset. The Council Bluffs Community School District has been redefining what innovation looks like in public education, and turning innovation into opportunity for every student. Growth and change has been built year by year through bold ideas, thoughtful planning, and a commitment to doing what’s best for students.
At the same time, there is renewed conversation in the Council Bluffs community about pride, shared at the recent Voices and Vision luncheon, during which the Iowa West Foundation and Council Bluffs Area Chamber of Commerce shared results of a survey that identified that the community is primed for further growth. One of the priorities established: collectively, we need to focus on a positive community image.
School district and civic leaders alike are stressing the importance of promoting the success story of Council Bluffs — one that starts with the everyday and extraordinary successes children have in their classrooms and in the community they call home.
‘Part of the fabric’
Superintendent Dr. Vickie Murillo said that a school district is “part of the fabric of a community, and the community deserves a great school district.” The district provides highquality learning environments that are safe, secure and all have “fabulous staff that love and care for our students.”
More than providing an education and for students, the district builds a foundation for the community. It is also a key part of the city’s economy, boosting the workforce as a major employer and as workforce development provider in the community. The CB Area Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Chris LaFerla, who served eight years on the school board and formerly with the Council Bluffs Schools Foundation, said having a strong school district is a key to retaining and growing the population in the city, as well as having pride in the community.
“The identity of a community is tied to the local school districts in so many ways,” LaFerla said. “Having a strong school district is vital to the business community and to the success of a community overall.” The future of the school district and the city are linked, with growth and pride in one aiding the growth and pride in the other. “A school is the heart of any community,” Board of Education President Jared Tripp said. “It is a source of pride, a safe place for students, and the center of growth.”
‘We
dive right in’
Julisa Novotny, a language arts teacher at Kirn Middle School with children in the district, said the Council Bluffs schools are “light years ahead” of others because they are out innovating programs like Diploma +1 and finding ways to overcome obstacles to student success.
“Our district doesn’t wait to copy other districts and see what happens, we dive right in and face a challenge head on,” Novotny said. “You can see this in our D+1 program, the early learning center, our continued improvement in facilities and technology, and the training provided to our teachers.”
The school district has community buyin on its vision for the future, Novotny said
“Our district leadership is innovative and never settles, as they constantly reflect and ask themselves hard questions about how our schools can support our community,” she said.
Lauren Myers, vice president of the Council Bluffs Community School District’s Board of Education, said the district continues to build continuously on what’s working
“Achieving things means different things to different people, but for us, it’s about how we can help our students move forward, whether it’s academically, socially or emotionally,” she said.
A key difference in the Council Bluffs schools, Myers said, is the intentionality about creating different pathways for students to follow.
“Intention can make all the difference when it comes to people reaching their goals,” Myers said. “Everyone has to have that buy-in — from school board to superintendent to administration to staff to students and also the community — and we have that.”
‘Not just dream about it’
Parent Beth Watkins and her husband Robert have an eighth grade son at Wilson Middle School and a fourth grade daughter at Franklin Elementary School. Both are already thinking about what careers they want after graduating from high school.
“My kids are getting access to reallife experiences that genuinely open up real-life opportunities,” Watkins said, and added that they are able to explore jobs that actually are careers that they can start considering now.
Watkins said the opportunities her children are receiving “weren’t provided to me at that age,” and she added that the district provides an educational environment — “all the things a child needs — academic, social, emotional” — that really stands out for her family.
She said she discovered that Council Bluffs is “intentional about expanding opportunities for every student”
“I started in the district because of my location,” she said. “I stayed because of what I experienced and what I saw.”
‘Stepping stones’
Abraham Lincoln High School senior Lexie Nelson has proudly been a student in the district since preschool. She, and Thomas Jefferson High School senior Henry Hendershot, are shining examples of how taking full advantage of the choices available to students leads them into future careers.
“I was able to obtain my CNA as a 16-year-old junior via my D+1 pathway,” Nelson said. “The courses were quite academically and attentionally demanding, but for the better. Through lab hours to learn and practice CNA skills to clinical rotation hours at the local Midlands Assisted Living Facility, she was able to prepare successfully for the state exam to become certified. Her credentials are providing stepping stones as she prepares for the future as a nursing school student as part of the University of Iowa class of 2030, with plans to become a CRNA through a doctor’s program after working as a BSN in an ICU setting.
Hendershot also has a clear vision for his future.
“I have had the opportunity to work with many experienced IT professionals through the IT summer internship program, offered by the school district. I have also been very hands-on with the dual enrollment program as well, where I have taken numerous networking classes that sparked my interest in
“Whether it be sports, clubs, college classes, career preparation pathways, and beyond, our school district has something for everyone, and they will gladly help you get there.”
Lexie Nelson AL Student
“Our district doesn’t wait to copy other districts and see what happens, we dive right in and face a challenge head on.”
Julisa Novotny Kirn Teacher
“Our schools are the heart of any community, a source of pride, a safe place for students, and the center of growth.”
“My kids are getting access to real-life experiences that genuinely open up real-life opportunities.”
Beth Watkins District Parent
“We have a lot of great things going on here in Council Bluffs — that’s going to attract people to our community.”
Jill Shudak Council Bluffs Mayor
“We are the envy of so many other communities in the region and across the state of Iowa.”
Chris
IT and networking,” he said. He will graduate in May with an Associates of Applied Science degree, with plans to attend one of the United States Military Academies to major in Computer Science, with a Cyber Security specialty.
‘Collaborative nature’
Tripp said the community partners backing the school district are unrivaled, especially its collaboration with Iowa Western Community College on the TradeWorks Academy, Early College Academy and other programs.
“There isn’t another school in the state of Iowa that can boast the success we have with our partnerships with Iowa Western Community College and with other community businesses and nonprofit organizations.”
Tripp noted that he has “personally watched two houses be loaded onto a semi and moved through town to be set onto a new foundation” through a partnership with the TradeWorks Academy and Habitat for Humanity of Council Bluffs that gives students hands-on experience as they build homes for residents.
Community members regularly visit schools to share first-hand knowledge with students. Businesses and labor unions provide students with preapprenticeships, apprenticeships and work-based learning opportunities. The city hospitals help students prepare for healthcare careers. Parents volunteer time and resources to booster groups.
In countless ways, many people come together to support the school district.
“It takes a village, and that’s what you see with the collaborative nature of Council Bluffs and our community partners,” Novotny said.
‘Making a real difference’
LaFerla said many school districts are trying to figure out how to emulate Council Bluffs.
“We are the envy of so many other communities in the region and across the state of Iowa,” LaFerla said. “Our school district has been very thoughtful and strategic about how we put together meaningful career programs for our children and has really invested in the time and resources that it takes to deliver on those promises.”
The school district’s educators are “forward-thinking and achievementoriented,” Tripp said, which is “reflected in our exceptional academic outcomes.”
But more than that, the district sets students up for success beyond the classroom by challenging them to earn a second credential through Diploma +1.
Students can learn the skilled trades through TradeWorks, they can prepare for healthcare, technology and other career fields, and they can earn college credits, industryrecognized certificates and diplomas — with many students now able to
earn an associate’s degree at the same time they earn a high school diploma.
“We are making a real difference in students’ lives and saving our families millions of dollars by covering the cost of college credits,” Tripp said. “This is giving our community a boost in educated, career-ready adults.”
Novotny said it’s clear during graduation the positive impact the district has on people.
“It’s been so incredible to see how families are transformed,” she said. “I have watched parents cry tears of joy as their child has the opportunity to earn more than their parents, allowing them to breathe a sigh of relief.”
‘Thinking forward into the future’
Murillo said the district recently began to “dream again” — this time about launching a dedicated STEM Innovation High School.
The district is using a public school charter model to allow for flexibility in the school day, instructors and the embrace of project-based learning alongside interdisciplinary lessons.
“It’s time for us, as public educators, to continue to pivot, grow, be flexible, and meet the students where they are and then prepare them for where they’re going,” Murillo said.
Tripp called the concept a “beacon for STEM education in the Midwest,” serving as a hub for learning science, technology, engineering and mathematics for the entire metropolitan area.
“It’s right on time,” Council Bluffs Mayor Jill Shudak said of the school. “I think it’s going to be an amazing project, and I’m really looking forward to seeing how that comes forward.”
Shudak, also a former school board member, said the district is “always looking at what that next step is,” and she believes the dedicated STEM school “is that next step.” She said it also will “attract people to our community.”
“It is going to be a magnet to attract people from across the river, from other school districts,” Shudak said. “It’s another way that Dr. Murillo, the school board and the staff are thinking forward into the future.”
‘Every student’
The Council Bluffs schools aim to ensure every student achieves more.
Myers said the district commits time, effort and resources into making sure students have what they need to find success.
Novotny said the district’s teachers truly see children, identifying “their needs, their fears, and their learning” and keep working until they see children get where they need to be.
“It wasn’t until I sent my kids here that I truly understood how amazing our school district is,” Novotny said. “Council Bluffs teachers never give up on any kid while
Jared Tripp School Board President
LaFerla Chamber President & CEO
providing opportunities for every kid.”
“One of my absolute favorite things about our school district is the number of opportunities our teachers, administrators, and supporters provide us with,” said Nelson. “Whether it be sports, clubs, college classes, career preparation pathways, and beyond, our school district has something for everyone, and they will gladly help you get there.”
As a student intern, Hendershot quickly recognized the experience was much more than gaining skills in networking, but also in the workbased lessons as he worked side by side with ‘people who really care about our schools and students.’
“The Council Bluffs schools give kids a community that reflects the real world, supports every family, and teaches them how to be compassionate, confident human beings,” Watkins said. Having that kind of upbringing “creates young adults who want to stay connected to this community — who want to come back after college or training, buy homes here, raise their own families here, and keep investing in the place that invested in them.”
‘I always say we’
The success of the Council Bluffs schools is linked to the shared vision for students, both among the district’s leadership and staff as well as with community leaders and residents.
Shudak said that City Hall needs to “work closely with our school partners to make sure that they’re getting any type of support that they need from the city, but then also that the city is there to celebrate the schools as well.”
When people look to move to a
community, they look for housing and opportunities for their families — areas where officials have been and continue to focus attention. But they also look at the schools available to their families.
“We have a lot of great things going on here in Council Bluffs,” Shudak said. “If we can stay at that forefront of D+1, the early learning center, a STEM high school — that’s going to attract people to our community.”
“I always say ‘we’ because I consider myself still part of the school district,” Shudak added.
Educator and teacher mentor Dirk Waller shared that he has seen the variety of ways the community shows support for students and the success of the district.
“In my 26 years in Council Bluffs Schools I have seen the culture continually move and adjust but always in a supportive manner,” he said. “I see the community’s support in small acts of donations to food pantries and school drives. I see it in overwhelming support from the audiences for fine arts and sporting events.”
‘It’s
not by accident’
Progress in the Council Bluffs schools has followed from the intentional focus on the district’s North Star of Diploma +1 as well as dedication, hard work and buy-in from many people.
Murillo said facility upgrades implemented by her predecessor, Dr. Martha Bruckner, left the district ready for transformation.
“When I got here in 2017, I really felt like the board wanted to see more opportunities for the students, and I also recognized that our community was progressive and was open to these opportunities,” Murillo said.
LaFerla said the perception of Council Bluffs is changing after many years where community members felt they didn’t receive enough attention at the state and national level.
LaFerla also pointed to Mayors Tom Hanafan and Matt Walsh, and now Shudak, along with state legislators and businesses and nonprofits that worked to grow the city’s status in Iowa. There’s a “recognition that there are a lot of very passionate, capable leaders here who are trying to create opportunities that don’t exist in other parts of the state,” La Ferla said.
“We are becoming recognized as a model community,” he said. “But it’s not by accident. It’s because those leaders stepped up and made those things happen.”
‘It’s
time
to celebrate’
While there’s still plenty of accomplishments yet to achieve, LaFerla said it’s important to be aware of and celebrate the heights that the community — through schools, businesses, city and county governments, civic leaders and the residents who live, work and play in
ACHIEVE: The Magazine
Council Bluffs — have already reached.
“We’ve accomplished a lot to be very proud of.” LaFerla said. “It’s time to celebrate that and recognize that we have some really great stories to tell in Council Bluffs.” Regardless of where community members attended school or whether they have a direct connection to the district, Myers said they can be proud of the Council Bluffs schools.
Dr. Murillo said that she has seen a transformation in our school community as staff, students and parents are now seeing the positive outcomes from Diploma +1 pathways and opportunities.
“We’re all members of this community, and we should be proud of everything,” she said.“We just need to celebrate more.”
Mayor Shudak said she’s excited about the future of Council Bluffs, including the progress of the Council Bluffs Community School District.
of the Council Bluffs Community School District
Graduate Kaci Wohlers was among 93% of the class of 2025 who earned a second credential.
Students in Ms. Beckett’s classroom and acoss the district are engaged in their learning every day
College & Career Exploratory Labs in middle school provide insight into potential career pathways for students like Angela Nelson
Postsecondary Readiness
All CB students have the opportunity to engage in postsecondary readiness experiences that provide them with real-world exposure to meaningful college and career pathways
College & Career Academic Planning
College & Career and Academic Planning
assists all students with developing individual plans towards post-secondary readiness. Through guided exploration and college and career activities, students learn more about their strengths, interests, and goals in developing their future academic and career pathways.
Career Education
A series of high school and college courses provide hands-on learning experiences designed to bridge academic knowledge with practical career skills Programs prepare students for college and careers by providing pathways, industry credentials, college credit and real-world application opportunities.
Career Connected Lear ning
Learning opportunities that help students connect their education to future careers
At Iowa Western Community College, your future is our focus. No matter your passion, we’ll guide you through our 80+ programs with experienced advisors, small classes, and free tutoring.
Experience a vibrant campus life at our Council Bluffs location filled with opportunities to connect and grow. From laser tag and casino nights to therapy dogs and student government, there are countless ways to get involved, make new friends, and create lifelong memories. With everything you need to thrive, your college experience starts here!
Explore Interests
Identif y Strengths
Create Postsecondary Goals
Develop 4-Year Plan
Select courses and activities to achieve goals
Career Exploration
Relevant Workforce Skills
Academic Integration
Industry-Recognized Certifications, Diplomas and Degrees
Career and Technical
Student Organizations
Career Exploration
Field Trips
Guest Speakers
Job Shadowing Internships
Apprenticeships
Pre-Apprenticeships
Industry Partnership Project
Invest in your future with affordable education. We offer hundreds of scholarships annually, ensuring that your education at Iowa Western is within reach.
Join the tradition of excellence. With 26 athletic teams and 37 national championships, wearing the blue jersey means becoming part of the #AlwaysAReiver legacy.
Start your journey today at one of our five Iowa Western locations in Council Bluffs, Atlantic, Clarinda, Harlan, or Shenandoah.
AL senior Tyshawn “Lemon” Hathaway receives the Employee of the Month award from the Omaha Metro Area Goodwill. Lemon was recognized from among 800 employees for his commitment to his work experience, exceeding expectations daily, and demonstrating leadership with his peers.
U.S. Secretary of Labor Chavez-Deremer learns from AL junior Tyler Walter in the welding lab about his pathway to a career during her visit to Iowa Western Community College to see the college’s apprenticeship partnership with the Council Bluffs Schools in action.
Student athletes from TJ met two of the former professional athletes from TJ who were included in the Iowa West Professional Athletes Roster, now on display at the Iowa West Field House. Students from AL also attended the special event in January.
Preschool teacher Kerri Presser demonstrates to her students Zael Valdivia and Lucy Haynie how to measure a bookcase during play center time at the Anne E. Nelson Early Learning Center.
Lieutenant Governor Chris Cournoyer participated in a podcast with Wilson student Imaurie Young during a visit to the school to talk with students about their leadership and skill development experiences in the iJAG program.
Rue 2nd grade teacher Carie Mann engages students in a lesson. At right, Longfellow students enjoy collaborating on an assignment in their classroom.
BEYOND THE CLASSROOM Jackets, Lynx Find Success in Fall Activities
Featured Abraham Lincoln students, from top left: Evelynn Susano • Ebayne Boyer • Zoey
•
•
•
LaFerla
Greysen Clark
Jake Babbitt
Brayden Tranmer
Featured Thomas Jefferson students, from top left: Nicholas Budwell • Branaya Jarmon • Chloe
Wieland • Coleton Townsend • Dominique Grant • Azlynn Williamson
Introducing Our New Teacher’s Closet
The Council Bluffs Schools Foundation is excited to introduce a new initiative built directly from what we’ve learned through years of classroom grant applications and conversations with teachers, the Teacher Closet.
The Teacher Closet is designed to complement the district’s existing resources by providing easy access to commonly requested classroom supplies. Stocked based on teacher input through the Foundation’s grant programs, the Closet helps meet day-to-day needs while offering teachers added flexibility throughout the school year.
The closet will officially open in August 2026, and we’re starting now to fill the shelves so it’s ready from day one. Here are just a few of the items teachers request most often:
• Hand-held whiteboards for small-group learning
• Headphones for students
• Fidget tools and sensory supports
• Storage tubs and organizers
These everyday supplies help create functional, inclusive, and engaging learning environments, and your support ensures teachers can access them quickly and easily throughout the school year.
If you’d like to help us get a head start, you can choose an item or two from our Amazon Wishlist or donate directly to the Teacher Closet fund at cbsf.org/donate or by scanning the QR code.
Mini-Grants Offer New Resource for Teachers
This fall, the Council Bluffs Schools Foundation launched a new Mini-Grant Program designed to provide quick, flexible funding for classroom needs, teacher well-being, and innovative ideas.
While the Classroom Grants program, awarded each spring, continues to fund innovative instructional projects, Foundation staff also saw teachers requesting smaller items that support day-today learning.
The new Mini-Grant Program was developed to complement the existing grant structure and to help teachers bring timely ideas and support to life throughout the school year. In the program’s inaugural round, the Foundation received 25 applications and awarded 12 grants, with two
additional projects supported through the Foundation’s new Teacher Closet initiative.
“Thanks to the Foundation’s
generosity, my students now have access to a wonderful shared experience of reading the timeless classic of ‘The
Outsiders,’” said Julisa Novotny, a recent Mini-Grant recipient. “These new resources will make a lasting impact on their learning experience and help foster a stronger reading culture in our classroom. The Mini-Grant Program makes that possible.”
The program also supports the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to collaboration with the Council Bluffs Community School District. By offering more flexible grant options, the Foundation helps enhance and expand the high-quality learning environment the district provides. Learn more about our Annual Grants Program and join us in supporting the children, families, and staff of the Council Bluffs Community School District by leaving a gift today at cbsf.org.
HONORING LEGACY
Thomas Jefferson Inducts 3 Alumni to Hall of Fame
The Council Bluffs community celebrated the latest three additions to the Thomas Jefferson High School Hall of Fame during a ceremony Nov. 14.
Frank Fauble, Jim Maaske and Michelle Sorensen joined the hall of fame. Fauble was an interior designer who helped Iowa Western Community College’s Art Center become a reality. Masske is a retired fire captain who has organized numerous donation efforts in Council Bluffs. Sorensen is a career educator at Lothrop Elementary School in Omaha.
Frank Fauble
Fauble’s best friend, Ed Kelso, described him as “a unique person who used his talents and wealth to make life better for others, both professionally and personally.”
Fauble was born in 1944 to Frank and Pauline Fauble and graduated from Thomas Jefferson in 1962.
He spent the majority of his life pursuing a career in interior design. After attending college at Iowa State University, he joined the architectural and engineering firm HDR in Omaha. He became the vice president of HDR’s interior design department and traveled the world overseeing the company’s projects.
In 2006, he retired from HDR and spent the remainder of his life devoted to helping his community by offering his expertise and attention to numerous projects. He was involved in the Centennial Rotary Club and the Rotary Foundation as well as Iowa Western Community College and the Midlands Humane Society.
Fauble played a major role in the development and ongoing operation of Iowa Western’s Arts Center by providing substantial financial contributions to fund the center on campus. He also designed the interior of the facility — down to the selection of colors.
He was an original member of the Arts Center’s Advisory
Committee. He helped grow the arts and supported the college’s effort to raise the funds needed to start the football program. The college named the main theater in the Arts Center after Fauble in 2020. Fauble also was key in the development of the Midlands Humane Society. He assisted with the design of the building and gave financial support.
Fauble died Sept. 17, 2018, and the hall of fame induction is posthumous. He had outstanding leadership skills and an astute sense of humor.
Jim Maaske
Maaske is a retired Council Bluffs fire captain. He served 22 years with the department, including 16 as captain. He held certifications in hazardous materials, rope rescue, water rescue, ice rescue, confined spaces, and instruction. He was also an honor guard member and a recruit academy trainer.
Maaske grew up in Council Bluffs and lettered in wrestling and track at TJ. He was on the honor roll his senior year and loved the trade classes — auto repair, machine shop and welding.
After graduating in 1978, he went on to land a job with Stan Olsen Auto Center, where he spent 20 years as an automotive technician until joining the fire department in 1999.
Along with fellow firefighter Randy Schroeder, he helped
plan the department’s Local 15 Pink Out, helping Council Bluffs become among the first fire departments in the nation to do so. As part of the Pink Out, Maaske helped start and organize the campaign every October, selling pink shirts to raise funds for local nonprofit organizations. He helped fundraise more than $30,000 over five years.
Maaske was a co-chair for a fundraising campaign established to assist veterans in need of service dogs. Partnering with Puppy Jake Foundation, he helped raise more than $12,000.
His volunteering also included Firefighters Without Borders, which sends used fire gear to firefighters in countries with limited access to equipment. He helped collect and refurbish more than 150 bicycles for the Free Bikes 4 Kids program, with many given to children for Christmas.
Maaske has also served on the boards of directors for the Council Bluffs YMCA, Southwest Iowa Nature Trails and Free Bikes 4 Kids. He has stayed active by participating in triathlons, running events and cycling activities.
Michelle Sorensen
Sorensen, whose maiden name was Michelle Black, attended Carter Lake Elementary School and Wilson Junior High School before graduating from TJ in 1995 and attending Buena Vista University to study elementary education.
In 2000, she began teaching second grade in the Omaha Public Schools at Lothrop Elementary. She says she’s fortunate to call Lothrop her “home” and is in her 26th year at the school. She’s now an instructional facilitator and has twice served as a summer school principal in her career.
Sorensen has served as the courtesy committee chairperson at Lothrop, volunteered with Lothrop’s Parents and Teachers Together and has tutored many students. She has met and built strong and lasting relationships with many school families and community members.
She has continued her own educational journey, earning master’s degrees in elementary education and K-12 literacy from the University of Nebraska Omaha and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Doane University.
Sorensen has found many ways to serve her school and community. She’s led Franklin Elementary School’s booster club, served meals and helped children at a local shelter, and helped with the costume parade at the Rose Theater. At TJ, she has volunteered to help with football and softball concessions, assisted with post-prom fundraising and leads the TJ booster club.
She has also been instrumental in the Jacket Backer fundraiser and with supporting TJ staff with small tokens of her appreciation over the last couple years.
Sorensen is the Junior Jacket and TJ robotics clubs’ judge adviser. She is also a board member of Garmik Inc. in Texas, which provides support for early literacy development.
She enjoys attending student’s athletic and other extracurricular activities, spending time with her husband Tre’ — a member of the Class of 1993 — and their daughter Makenna, a member of the Class of 2025, and her partner, Darreck Roche, also a member of the Class of 2025. They enjoy camping and spending time with friends.
From left, Marsha Pilger accepting for Frank Fauble, Jim Maske and Michelle Sorensen.
Frank Fauble
DRIVEN TO TEACH: Edwards Celebrates Teachers
Edwards Auto Group celebrates the teachers in the Council Bluffs Community School District by handing out keys to a loaner vehicle each month.
The Council Bluffs auto dealership launched its Driven to Teach program last year and committed to continuing it for the 2025-26 school year.
SCAN THE QR CODE TO WATCH VIDEOS
NOVEMBER: Brent Craig Kanesville Learning Center
DECEMBER: Amanda Haynie-Johnston Longfellow Elementary School
JANUARY: Melissa DeBolt Carter Lake Elementary School
AWARD: District Music Teachers Receive Honor
The Best Communities for Music Education Award from The NAMM Foundation is a national recognition presented to school districts that demonstrate an exceptional commitment to music as an essential part of a well-rounded education. Each year, fewer than 500 school districts across the nation receive this distinction — placing Council Bluffs among the Top 3% of districts nationwide.
Amanda Haynie-Johnston
Melissa DeBolt
Brent Craig
STUDENT STARS
Recognizing Students Who Go Above and Beyond
Thanks to the Council Bluffs Schools Foundation, outstanding students receive Student Star Awards, and are recognized by Superintendent Dr. Vickie Murillo and the Board of Education.
BOYS GOLF STATE QUALIFIER Dylan Vannier
GIRLS TENNIS STATE QUALIFIER Tori Hansen
VOLLEYBALL ALL-STATE ACADEMIC TEAM Jasmine Shields
FOOTBALL ALL-STATE ACADEMIC TEAM
Alan Arthur, Mayson Kramer, Evan Lang & (not pictured) Jayden Fujii & Jayce Shanno FOOTBALL 4A ALL-STATE TEAM: Braxton Parks (honorable mention) (not pictured)
IOWA ALL-STATE MUSIC FESTIVAL
Cain Pettit (orchestra), Matthew Waggoner (band), Dutch Smith (band), Abigail Nelson (orchestra) & Caitlyn Adkins (chorus)
IOWA JUNIOR HONORS ORCHESTRA FESTIVAL
Evan Veit, Bristol Chase & Railynn Clark & (not pictured) Angela Nelson
OPUS HONOR CHOIR: Lillian Chambers (pictured far left in front)
GOING THE EXTRA MILE
Recognizing Educators, Staff Who Live the Mission
SEPTEMBER: Mattisen “Matti” Mos Counselor, Rue Elementary
SEPTEMBER: Michelle Soto, ELP Paraedcator, Kirn Middle School
NOVEMBER: Belinda Carpenter, Special Education Teacher, Franklin Elementary
NOVEMBER: Megan Rangel, ELP Specialized Paraeducator, Carter Lake Elementary
OCTOBER: Lucas Jarecki, TradeWorks Instructor, Thomas Jefferson High School
OCTOBER: Missi Rowe, Administrative Assistant, Wilson Middle School
Gates Receives 40 Under 40 Distinction
The Midlands Business Journal named Carly Gates, Director of Teaching and Learning Supports, to its annual “40 Under 40” distinction. The recognition celebrates exceptional young professionals in the metropolitan area. Gates told the magazine she has always been drawn to teaching.
HOLIDAY GENEROSITY
This past holiday season, the Student & Family Services Department, along with our incredible community partners and individual donors, delivered support across the district. This outpouring of kindness truly reflects the strength and heart of our community:
• New hats, gloves, and socks donated by Corpus Christi Parish & American National Bank
• 50 brand-new or gently used coats
• 135 weekend food packs
• 145 angel tree families supported with gifts and clothing for every child in the household thanks to St. Peter’s Parish
• More than 300 families connected to the New Visions Homeless Services, receiving gifts, clothing, books, games, food and hygiene products
Congratulations to our School Board for their IASB Team and Individual Achievement Awards. Through their commitment to professional growth, they lead by example and demonstrate their dedication to our school community!
