REGULAR SESSION

OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE

COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT OF SOUTH TAMA COUNTY

The Board of Directors of the Community School District of South Tama County met on July 8, 2021 in Regular Session at 5:00 p.m. at the Elementary with members of the community attending electronically through Google Hangouts.

On call of the roll the following were present:  Penny Tyynismaa, Mandy Lekin and Ronald Houghton.  Absent:  Alan Kline and Clint Werner.  Quorum Present.   

Also present were: Jared Smith, Randy Denham, and several members of the community.

Motion by Houghton second by Lekin to approve the agenda.  All Ayes.

Motion by Houghton, second by Lekin to approve the consent agenda approving the minutes of the June 7, 2021 meeting, financials and bills for payment as presented, and an early graduation request for Nathan Adams.   All Ayes.

Public Comments - None

Barry Sedlacek and Jane Murphy from the Class of 1971 presented a 50^th class reunion project to the Board. The project will consist of a large rock to be placed in front of the high school honoring all of those who have attended South Tama. Mr. Sedlacek and Ms. Murphy stated that there would be a dedication ceremony for this project on September 10^th.

Motion by Lekin, second by Houghton to approve the personnel requests as presented.  All Ayes.

Contracts – Rashell Mendoza – Summer Custodian, Dawn Vest – Summer Paint Crew, Rachel Davis – HS ELA Lead Teacher, Michelle Wiegand – 6^th Grade Lead Teacher, Tiffany Bridgewater – ELL Lead Teacher, Samantha Peska – Director of Curriculum & Student Services, Hannah Bjornsen – Elem Food Service, Aaron Kvidera – Elem Food Service, Andrea Asmussen – Middle School Food Service, John Koorsen – Bus Driver, Olivia Gannaway – Elem SpEd Para, Brycelyn Haughey – Elem Para, Danielle Stubbs – Elem SpEd Para, Michelle Davis – Elem Secretary

Transfers – Leticia Babinat – From MS Aide to MS Interventionist, Nicole Hitchcock – From Elem SpEd Aide to Parent/Community Liaison, Trudy Suchanek – From Elem SpEd Para to Elem Para – Title I

Motion by Lekin second by Houghton to approve the bread bid received from Pan-O-Gold Baking Co. for the 2021-2022 school year.   All Ayes.

Motion by Houghton, second by Lekin to purchase a pressure washer system for the Transportation Department for $11,705.31.  All Ayes.

Motion by Houghton, second by Lekin to approve an agreement with rSchool Today for scheduling and facility rental software for the 2021-2022 school year for $3,100.  All Ayes.

Motion by Houghton, second by Lekin to approve the updates to Board Policy 904.10 – Use of Building Facilities as recommended.  All Ayes.

Motion by Houghton, second by Lekin to approve the bid from Dunn Concrete for Elementary tuckpointing in the amount of $25,330.  All Ayes. 

Motion by Houghton, second by Lekin to approve the bid from RC Systems for new cameras at the Middle School and Partnership Center for $44,915.65. All Ayes.

Motion by Lekin, second by Houghton to approve the 2021-2022 Certified Staff Handbook as presented. All Ayes.

Motion by Houghton, second by Lekin to approve the 2021-2022 Classified Staff Handbook as presented. All Ayes.

Motion by Lekin, second by Houghton to approve the 2021-2022 Substitute Staff Handbook as presented. All Ayes.

Motion by Lekin, second by Houghton to approve adding Health Items to the 2021-2022 Student Handbooks as presented. All Ayes.

Motion by Houghton, second by Lekin to approve the 2021-2022 Preschool Student Handbook as presented. All Ayes.

Motion by Houghton, second by Lekin to approve the 2021-2022 Elementary Student Handbook as presented. All Ayes.

Motion by Houghton, second by Lekin to approve the 2021-2022 Middle School Student Handbook as presented. All Ayes. The Board requested to discuss Lockers and Backpacks at the Middle School at a future meeting.

Motion by Houghton, second by Lekin to table approval of the 2021-2022 High School Student Handbook to the August 2 Board Meeting. All Ayes.

Motion by Lekin, second by Houghton to approve the 2021-2022 Activities Handbook as presented. All Ayes.

Superintendent Smith presented the South Tama Activities Superintendent’s Annual Report to the Board.

Superintendent Smith provided an update on the Stop Signs/Stop Lights on Highway 63. The Board determined that there would be no need to move forward at this time with having Stop Signs/Stop Lights on Highway 63.

The Board discussed different options for meeting locations for the August 2 Board Meeting. It was determined to hold the August 2 Board meeting in the Middle School Library.

Motion by Houghton, second by Lekin to adjourn the meeting at 6:39 p.m.  All Ayes

 

Penny Tyynismaa, Board President                     Randy Denham, Board Secretary    

 

 

 

 

REGULAR SESSION

OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE

COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT OF SOUTH TAMA COUNTY

The Board of Directors of the Community School District of South Tama County met on August 2, 2021 in a Work Session at 5:00 p.m. at the Middle School with members of the community attending electronically through Google Hangouts.

On call of the roll the following were present:  Penny Tyynismaa, Mandy Lekin, Alan Kline, and Ronald Houghton.  Absent:  Clint Werner.  Quorum Present.   

Also present were: Jared Smith, Randy Denham, Laura Peterson and Brad Leeper from Invision Architects, Ryan Ellsworth from Estes Construction, and several members of the community.

Laura Peterson and Brad Leeper from Invision Architects and Brad Leeper from Estes Construction gave a presentation recapping the work that the Middle School Facilities Planning Task Force has done so far.

Work session concluded at 5:33 p.m.

The Board of Directors of the Community School District of South Tama County met on August 2, 2021 in a Regular Session at 5:35 p.m. at the Middle School with members of the community attending electronically through Google Hangouts.

On call of the roll the following were present:  Penny Tyynismaa, Mandy Lekin, Alan Kline, and Ronald Houghton.  Absent:  Clint Werner.  Quorum Present.  

Also present were: Jared Smith, Randy Denham, Laura Peterson and Brad Leeper from Invision Architects, Ryan Ellsworth from Estes Construction, and several members of the community

Motion by Lekin second by Kline to approve the agenda.  All Ayes.

Motion by Kline, second by Houghton to approve the consent agenda approving the minutes of the July 8, 2021 regular meeting and bills for payment as presented.   All Ayes.

Public Comments - None

Shanahan Family Chiropractic was unable to attend the meeting for the PIE plaque presentation. It was discussed that the presentation would occur at a later date.

Motion by Lekin, second by Houghton to approve the personnel requests as presented.  All Ayes.

Contracts – Tara Upah – HS Color Guard Coach, Josh Bly – HS Asst Football Coach, Rashell Mendoza – HS Concessions Manager, Debbie Price – Part time Special Ed Para. 

Transfers – Kenadie Geiger – From 3^rd Grade Teacher to Elementary Interventionist, Devin Stacey – From MS Special Ed Para to MS At Risk Para. 

Resignations – Marylou Aguirre – Partnership Secretary, Sandy Jensen – HS Custodian. 

Volunteers – Mary Fasse Shaw – Fall Musical, Jeff Shaw – Fall Musical, Darcy Lamb – HS Musical, Bailey Chyma – HS Football, Stan Upah – HS Volleyball, Morgan McFate – HS Football Cheer, Sabrina Holtz – HS Volleyball. 

Officials – Eugene Ubben – HS Boys Basketball, Stacy O’Hare – HS Boys Basketball

Motion by Lekin second by Kline to approve an updated 403b agreement with the Iowa Retirement Investment Club.   All Ayes.

Motion by Lekin, second by Houghton to approve Lincoln Savings Bank and the State Bank of Toledo as the official depositories for the 2021-2022 school year with an upper limit of $15,000,000.  All Ayes.

Motion by Kline, second by Houghton to approve the Tama-Toledo News Chronicle as the official publication of the District for the 2021-2022 school year.  All Ayes.

Motion by Kline, second by Lekin to approve the HS Volleyball overnight trip to Central College camp.  All Ayes.

Motion by Lekin, second by Houghton to approve the first reading of Board Policy 502.08 – Possession or Use of Electronic Communication Devices as presented.  All Ayes. 

Motion by Lekin, second by Houghton to approve the 2021-2022 High School Student Handbook as presented with the exception to revert back to the original Dress Code language. All Ayes. The Board discussed the Dress Code section with Administration. It was determined that Administration would take the Board’s concerns back to staff and students to come up with responses to those concerns. Administration will bring those responses back to the Board at a later date for further discussion.  

Motion by Houghton, second by Lekin to approve the 2021-2022 Elementary Staff Handbook as presented. All Ayes.

Middle School Principal Ben Adams presented the Middle School Staff Handbook to the Board. Mr. Adams discussed the plans in place to move away from having lockers in the Middle School. Mr. Adams discussed the various benefits of moving away from lockers and also addressed safety concerns. Mr. Adams stated that they would continue to accommodate students and their needs when necessary.

Motion by Kline, second by Lekin to approve the 2021-2022 Middle School Staff Handbook as presented. All Ayes.

Motion by Lekin, second by Kline to approve the 2021-2022 High School Staff Handbook as presented. All Ayes.

Motion by Kline, second by Lekin to approve the 2021-2022 Staff Mentor Handbook as presented. All Ayes.

Motion by Lekin, second by Houghton to approve the 2021-2022 TLC Leadership Handbook as presented. All Ayes.

Motion by Kline, second by Houghton to adjourn the meeting at 6:23 p.m.  All Ayes

 

Penny Tyynismaa, Board President                     Randy Denham, Board Secretary    

 

 

 

 

 

REGULAR SESSION

OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE

COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT OF SOUTH TAMA COUNTY

The Board of Directors of the Community School District of South Tama County met on August 16, 2021 in a Regular Session at 5:00 p.m. at the Elementary School with members of the community attending electronically through Google Hangouts.

On call of the roll the following were present:  Penny Tyynismaa, Mandy Lekin, Alan Kline, Clint Werner, and Ronald Houghton.  Absent:  None.  Quorum Present.  

Also present were: Jared Smith, Randy Denham, and several members of the community

The Board requested to have a COVID discussion item added to the agenda. Motion by Houghton second by Kline to approve the agenda with the addition of the COVID discussion item.  All Ayes.

Motion by Lekin, second by Houghton to approve the consent agenda approving the minutes of the August 2, 2021 work session and regular meeting, monthly financial reports, and bills for payment as presented.   All Ayes.

Public Comments – High School senior Jonathan Meyer stated he was coming to the Board as a representative of the Student Body. Mr. Meyer stated that the students want to be more involved in the District and that he would like the opportunity to be able to get information from students to the Board. Mr. Meyer thanked the Board for all their efforts and for everything they do for students.

Motion by Kline, second by Lekin to approve the personnel requests as presented.  All Ayes.

Contracts – James Hala – Bus Driver, Kodi Hillman – Assistant 7/8 Volleyball Coach

Transfers – Angelica Gomez – From Elementary ELL Para to Partnership Center Secretary, Tiffany Matney – From MS Part time Special Ed Para to Full time Special Ed Para, Marie Mann – From Part time HS Para to Full time HS 1:1 Special Ed Para

Resignations – Chelsea Ahrens – Head Varsity Softball Coach, Nate Van Dyke – Head Varsity Boys Soccer Coach

Officials – Tia Waseskuk – MS Volleyball, Tiffany Thiessen – MS Volleyball

Motion by Lekin second by Houghton to approve a student teaching agreement with Grinnell College for the 2021-2022 school year. All Ayes.

The Board discussed the Communications Firm proposals that had been presented. The Board stated that they would like some additional information from each firm and would like them to present at the next Board meeting to help answer questions they have. Motion by Houghton, second by Werner to table selection of a Communications Firm to assist with the Middle School project to the next Board meeting.  All Ayes.

Motion by Lekin, second by Werner to approve the custodial cost changes for Board Policy 905.01-Community Use of Buildings and Facilities as presented.  All Ayes.

Motion by Lekin, second by Kline to approve a three-year agreement with Satchel Pulse for Culture Climate consulting for $18,495 using ESSER funds.  All Ayes.

Motion by Kline, second by Houghton to approve changing the 2021-2022 school calendar to set a one hour early dismissal on the first day of school. All Ayes.

The Board discussed different dates for upcoming Board meetings. The Board discussed the following dates for the next several Board meetings: August 30, September 20, October 4, October 18, November 1, November 15, and December 6. The Board discussed continuing to have Board meetings at the Elementary until further notice.

Mr. Denham asked for guidance from the Board on what they would like to see on future monthly financial reports. Mr. Denham presented several different examples for the Board to review. The Board gave Mr. Denham guidance as to what they would like to see on the Monthly Financial Reports going forward.

The Board discussed setting a date for a future finance work session with the Middle School Task Force. The Board discussed having a finance work session with the Middle School Task Force on August 30 at 5:00 p.m.

The Board discussed concerns regarding the current mandate in place that does not allow schools to require masks and the potential of students getting sick. The Board stated that students and staff may choose to wear masks if they wish and wanted to make sure that all students and staff are comfortable and will be supported in their decision. The Board also discussed the potential to go to remote learning if needed and verified that the District would be capable of doing so if necessary.

Motion by Houghton, second by Lekin to adjourn the meeting at 6:17 p.m.  All Ayes

________________________________            _________________________________

Penny Tyynismaa, Board President                     Randy Denham, Board Secretary    

 

 

 

 

 

WORK SESSION & REGULAR SESSION

OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE 

COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT OF SOUTH TAMA COUNTY

The Board of Directors of the Community School District of South Tama County met on August 30, 2021 in a Work Session at 5:00 p.m. at the Elementary School with members of the community attending electronically through Google Hangouts.

On call of the roll the following were present:  Penny Tyynismaa, Mandy Lekin, Alan Kline, and Clint Werner. Members Present through Google Hangouts: Ron Houghton.  Absent: None.  Quorum Present.   

Also present were: Jared Smith, Randy Denham, Laura Peterson from Invision Architects, Ryan Ellsworth from Estes Construction, Travis Squires from Piper Sadler, Rod Wright from Creative Entourage, Jerry Gallagher from Donovan Group, members of the Middle School Task Force, and several members of the community.

Director of Finance Randy Denham gave a presentation to the Board and the Middle School Task Force reviewing school finance. Mr. Denham also provided information regarding the District’s historical tax rates, costs related to the Derecho storm, and a historical overview of the District’s PPEL and SAVE Funds.

Travis Squires from Piper Sadler gave a presentation to the Board and the Middle School Task Force reviewing the capital financing and capabilities of a Middle School Project. Mr. Squires discussed the District’s current debt obligations and the different options available to finance a potential project.

The Board and Middle School Task Force discussed the presentations from Mr. Denham and Mr. Squires and participated in a Q&A session.   

Work session concluded at 6:37 p.m.

The Board of Directors of the Community School District of South Tama County met on August 30, 2021 in a Regular Session at 6:37 p.m. at the Elementary School with members of the community attending electronically through Google Hangouts.

On call of the roll the following were present:  Penny Tyynismaa, Mandy Lekin, Alan Kline, and Clint Werner. Present through Google Hangouts: Ron Houghton.  Absent: None.  Quorum Present.  

Also present were: Jared Smith, Randy Denham, Laura Peterson from Invision Architects, Ryan Ellsworth from Estes Construction, Rod Wright from Creative Entourage, Jerry Gallagher from Donovan Group, members of the Middle School Task Force, and several members of the community

Motion by Kline second by Lekin to approve the agenda.  All Ayes.

Emily Chyma and Student Council president Carly Mathes-Henle provided an update to the Board of all the activities that will be going on throughout the District during Homecoming week. Ms. Chyma and Ms. Henle discussed how they are working to get the community involved in these activities. Ms. Chyma and Ms. Henle stated that the Student Council is in the process of rewriting their constitution to be more inclusive of everyone.

Rod Wright from Creative Entourage gave a presentation to the Board regarding the communication consulting services his firm could provide for the Middle School project.

The Board took a break at 7:30 p.m. The meeting resumed at 7:34 p.m.

Jerry Gallagher from Donovan Group gave a presentation to the Board regarding the communication consulting services his firm could provide for the Middle School project.

Motion by Kline, second by Houghton to approve the following consent agenda items: Minutes from the August 16, 2021 Regular Board Meeting, bills as presented, and early graduation requests for the following students: Tristin Henle, Ethan Pesina, and Autumn Ruckman.   All Ayes.

Public Comments – Charlotte Upah stated that she does not agree that a communications firm is needed at this time for the Middle School Project and feels that the Middle School Task Force could be a better option to handle the communication needs for the project. Ms. Upah stated that she felt hiring a communications firm was premature and would be contradictory to what the Task Force is trying to do. Ms. Upah felt that spending money on a communications firm at this time would be fiscally irresponsible.

The Board thanked Ms. Upah for her comments.

Motion by Lekin, second by Houghton to approve the personnel requests as presented.  All Ayes.

Contracts – Taylor Ray – Part Time Elementary ELL Para, Heather Keen – Elementary Special Ed Para, Nicholas Wheeler – High School Custodian.

Volunteers – Marla Behounek – Musical, Marlene Crabtree – Work in Classrooms and Field Trips as the Elementary

The Board discussed the two presentations that were given by Creative Entourage and Donovan Group. The Board stated that they would prefer to wait and see what recommendation the Middle School Task Force came back with before making a decision. Motion by Werner, second by Houghton to table selecting a Communications Company to a future Board Meeting once they have received a recommendation from the Middle School Task Force. All Ayes.

Motion by Kline second by Lekin to approve an agreement with ISFIS Write to Learn to purchase 250 licenses and training for the 2021-2022 school year for $4,250. All Ayes.

Motion by Hougton, second by Kline to approve a resolution to set a public hearing on the conveyance of property located at 806 State Street for September 20, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. at the Elementary Building.  All Ayes.

Motion by Werner, second by Lekin to approve switching the District’s credit card company from BMO Harris to Lincoln Savings Bank.  All Ayes.

Motion by Kline, second by Lekin to approve an agreement with Mark J. Becker & Associates, LLC to provide benefits consulting for the District for the 2021-2022 year at $15,600.  All Ayes.

Motion by Lekin, second by Werner to approve Ahlers & Cooney as the District’s legal counsel for the 2021-2022 year.  All Ayes. 

The Board decided to table the consent agenda discussion to the September 20, 2021 Board meeting. 

Dr. Smith presented the list of the Iowa Association of School Boards (IASB) 2022 Legislative priorities. Dr. Smith asked the Board to review the priorities and determine which four priorities they would like to vote on and submit to IASB at the next Board meeting.

Motion by Kline, second by Houghton to adjourn the meeting at 8:18 p.m.  All Ayes

________________________________            _________________________________

Penny Tyynismaa, Board President                     Randy Denham, Board Secretary    

 

 

 

PUBLIC HEARING AND REGULAR SESSION

OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE

COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT OF SOUTH TAMA COUNTY

The Board of Directors of the Community School District of South Tama County met on September 20, 2021 for a Public Hearing on the conveyance of school owned property at the Elementary School, Tama, Iowa at 5:00 p.m. with members of the community attending electronically through Google Hangouts.

On call of the roll the following were present:  Penny Tyynismaa, Mandy Lekin, Alan Kline, Ronald Houghton, and Clint Werner. Absent: None. Quorum Present. Also present were: Jared Smith, Randy Denham and several members of the community.

Motion by Lekin second by Werner to approve the agenda.  All Ayes.

Public Hearing – Conveyance of School Owned Property: President Tyynismaa opened the Public Hearing for the conveyance of school owned property located at 806 State Street, Tama, IA at 5:00 p.m. President Tyynismaa asked for public comments. Hearing none, President Tyynismaa asked for a motion to close the Public Hearing.

Motion by Lekin, second by Werner to close the Public Hearing at 5:03 p.m.  All Ayes.

The Regular Session was called to order at 5:04 p.m.

On call of the roll the following were present:  Penny Tyynismaa, Mandy Lekin, Alan Kline, Ron Houghton, and Clint Werner.  Members Absent - None.  Quorum Present.  Also present were: Jared Smith, Randy Denham, and several members of the community.

Motion by Kline, second by Lekin to approve the agenda.  All Ayes.

Motion by Kline, second by Lekin to approve the consent agenda approving the minutes from the August 30, 2021 work session and regular meeting, financial statements, and bills for payment as presented.  All Ayes.

Public Comments – Nikki Kemper addressed the Board about the mask discussion topic that was on the agenda. Ms. Kemper stated that there were people in the community that were not aware this item was going to be on the agenda and that many parents were not able to make it to the meeting to share their views on the topic.  Ms. Kemper stated that there are several people in the community that do not want a mask mandate and felt the Board should move this topic to a special meeting.

Motion by Lekin, second by Kline to approve the following personnel requests.  All Ayes.

Resignations – Daniel Kass – Head 9^th Baseball, Todd Dale – Head 8^th Boys Track

Contracts – Kimi Benson – Dance Team Coach, Heather Garrett – Elementary Building Webmaster, Crystal Hass – Middle School Building Webmaster, Victoria Hamilton – High School Building Webmaster, Patricia Gomez – Full Time Special Ed Para, Brittani West – Part Time Special Ed Para

Volunteers – Nathan Babinat – Driver (suburban & trailer) band, Kristy Garber – Kindergarten Class, Nickolas Seitz – D&D Roleplaying Club, Gwenyth Upah – Help in Classroom

Officials – Amy Dolash – 8^th Grade Volleyball, Eugene Ubben – 7^th Grade Volleyball, Tom Kemper – 7^th & 8^th Grade Football, FR-SO Girls Basketball, Jeremy Weiermann – 7^th & 8^th Grade Football, Seth Koch – 7^th & 8^th Grade Football, Kory Staff – 7^th & 8^th Grade Football, David Nitz – 7^th & 8^th Grade Football, Kevin Cartier – 7^th & 8^th Grade Volleyball, Deidra Mohr – FR-SO Boys Basketball, Andrew May – HS Varsity Wrestling, David Lee – HS Varsity Boys Track, William Neal – HS Varsity Boys Track.

Motion by Lekin, second by Werner to approve the 2021-2022 High School Activity Department fundraisers as presented. All Ayes                           

Motion by Kline, second by Lekin to approve a five-year Student Teaching and Clinical Agreement with William Penn University as presented.  All Ayes.

Motion by Lekin, second by Werner to approve the following IASB Legislative Priorities for the 2021-2022 school year: Support efforts to establish comprehensive community mental health systems to offer preventative and treatment services and comprehensive school mental health programs; Support additional tools for Teacher Recruitment and Licensure to attract individuals to the teaching profession, especially for teacher shortage areas; Support sufficient and on-time funding for English-Learners until the students reach proficiency; and Support predictable and timely state funding to serve students receiving special education services at a level that reflects the actual cost including educational programming and health care costs. All Ayes.

Motion by Lekin, second by Kline to approve the Resolution for a Conveyance of School Owned Property located at 806 State Street, Tama, IA.  Roll Call Vote: Tyynismaa – Aye, Lekin – Aye, Kline – Aye, Werner – Aye, Houghton – Aye. The motion passed.

Motion by Houghton, second by Kline to approve the following individuals as Level I Student Abuse Investigators for the 2021-2022 school year: Brad Schweppe, Kris Collins, Melanie Kemper, Anita Townsley, Ben Adams, Scott Bolen, Crystal Hass, Blake Wedeking, Mark Groteluschen, Anthony Jahr, Dan Lopez, Dina Keahna, Samantha Peska, and Jared Smith. All Ayes.

The Board discussed the recent federal judge ruling that ordered the State of Iowa to immediately halt the enforcement of the law that prevents School Boards from ordering masks to be worn to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Dr. Smith shared feedback that was given by staff along with information that he gathered from other WAMAC schools. Dr. Smith shared the challenges the District faces if there is a large number of staff members that are gone. The Board discussed the different staffing issues that the District has had to manage over the last several months. The Board discussed positivity and vaccination rates and how closely they should be monitoring those numbers and how much that information should weigh in on any decisions that the Board would have to make. The Board shared and discussed the feedback that they had received from community patrons on the issue as well as the feedback from staff that was shared by Dr. Smith. The Board stated that they want to do what is best for the health and safety of all students and staff.

The Board discussed and gave administration the following mitigation strategies that they would like to see implemented going forward: Having surgical masks on hand and made readily available to all students, staff, and guests; Offer masks at every entrance during school activities; Ensure that all buildings and staff have ample cleaning supplies to clean all areas thoroughly; Have signage posted at all entry ways throughout the District stating the importance of masking; Send out separate parent feedback surveys to parents of students in PK through 4^th grade and 5^th through 12^th grade; Update and resend out the FAQ document to all parents; Look for opportunities to change seating in the classrooms to help mitigate any potential spread of the virus.

The Board stated that they would like to see a COVID discussion item on each Board meeting going forward to get continuous updates on the mitigation strategies being implemented and to review up to date data. The Board stated they would like to continue to revisit this topic so that they can make any necessary adjustments if COVID cases get too high or if there are issues with staff shortages.

The Board encouraged community members to reach out to the Administration and the Board with any feedback or concerns that they have.

Motion by Lekin, second by Werner to continue the current practice of having masks be optional for all students and staff who are comfortable wearing them and for Administration to implement the mitigation strategies that were given. All Ayes.

The Board discussed the current process around how the consent agenda is handled each Board meeting and reviewed different options to the consent agenda process.

Dr. Smith provided an update to the Board regarding the communications firm for the Middle School project. Dr. Smith stated the Task Force met last week and will be leading and providing communication for the Middle School project at this time. The Task Force may look to use the Donovan Group as needed at a later date. Dr. Smith updated the Board that the Task Force will be having broader community meeting open forums in October and November.

Motion by Lekin, second by Werner to adjourn the meeting at 6:44 p.m.  All Ayes.

________________________________            _________________________________

Penny Tyynismaa, Board President                     Randy Denham, Board Secretary    

 

 

 

 

REGULAR SESSION OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE

COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT OF SOUTH TAMA COUNTY

The Board of Directors of the Community School District of South Tama County met in Regular Session on October 4, 2021 at the Elementary School, Tama, Iowa at 5:00 p.m. with members of the community attending electronically through Google Hangouts.

On call of the roll the following were present:  Penny Tyynismaa, Mandy Lekin, and Ronald Houghton. Absent: Alan Kline and Clint Werner. Quorum Present. Also present were: Jared Smith, Randy Denham and several members of the community.

Motion by Lekin, second by Kline to approve the agenda.  All Ayes.

Motion by Lekin, second by Houghton to approve the following consent agenda items: Minutes from the September 20, 2021 public hearing and regular meeting; Bills for payment as presented; Rental agreement with the Reining Center for November 9, 2021 Middle School Community Meeting, Authorize the Board President and/or Superintendent to issue and approve Special Education Contracts and Open Enrollment Applications; Approve contract with Kirkwood Community College for Special Education Transitional 4+ services; Approve Cooperative Agreement for Field Placement with the University of Northern Iowa.  All Ayes.

Public Comments – None.

Motion by Houghton, second by Lekin to approve the following personnel requests.  All Ayes.

New Hires – Juanita Hill – Part Time Admin Office Custodian; James Hala – Part Time District Wide Custodian (Additional COVID Cleaning)

Resignations – Makayla Backen – MS Assistant Softball Coach

Volunteers – Claire Mayo – Elementary Field Trips & Classroom as Needed; Bailey Waldo – Chaperoning for Thespian Festival; Dalton Rosenburg – Middle School Boys Wrestling

Officials – Kym Stein – 7^th Grade Volleyball; Tara Leytham – 9^th/10^th Girls Basketball, 9^th Boys Basketball; Wayne Ritscher – 9^th/10^th Girls Basketball, 10^th Boys Basketball; Tom Kemper – 9^th/10^th Girls Basketball, 10^th Boys Basketball; David Lee – High School Varsity Boys Track & Field; Willam Neal – High School Varsity Boys Track & Field

Motion by Lekin, second by Hougton to approve the following purchases using ESSER Funds: Chariot Floor Scrubber for the Elementary for $13,115; Air Purifier Filters for the District for $17,193.96; Vape Detection System for $25,650; Weight Room Equipment for $101,173.51, and Board Room Audio Visual Equipment Upgrade for $50,248.83. All Ayes                           

Motion by Lekin, second by Houghton to approve the following additional two-hour early dismissal days: October 22, 2021; November 12, 2021; and December 10, 2021.  All Ayes.

Dr. Smith provided a COVID update to the Board. Dr. Smith shared with the Board the additional cleaning and COVID mitigation efforts that were being done throughout the District. Dr. Smith then shared the updated COVID dashboard numbers along with survey results that had been sent out to Elementary families and staff. The Board discussed different options if COVID cases, absenteeism numbers, and staff shortages reach a certain threshold. The Board stated that if needed they can call a special meeting to make any necessary decisions if any of those thresholds are met.

Mr. Denham reviewed the fiscal year end 2021 reports with the Board.

Mr. Denham informed the Board of a Lauderdale donation that will be presented to the Board for formal approval at a later date.

Motion by Lekin, second by Houghton to adjourn the meeting at 6:09 p.m.  All Ayes.

 

________________________________            _________________________________

Penny Tyynismaa, Board President                     Randy Denham, Board Secretary    

 

 

 

 

REGULAR SESSION

OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE

COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT OF SOUTH TAMA COUNTY

The Board of Directors of the Community School District of South Tama County met in Regular Session on October 18, 2021 at the Elementary School, Tama, Iowa at 5:00 p.m. with members of the community attending electronically through Google Hangouts.

On call of the roll the following were present:  Penny Tyynismaa, Mandy Lekin, Clint Werner, and Ronald Houghton. Absent: Alan Kline. Quorum Present. Also present were: Jared Smith, Randy Denham, Elizabeth Dolezal, Larry Fletcher, and several members of the community.

Motion by Lekin, second by Werner to approve the agenda.  All Ayes.

Motion by Lekin, second by Werner to approve the following consent agenda items: Minutes from the October 4, 2021 public hearing and regular meeting; Bills for payment as presented; and Monthly Financial Reports. All Ayes.

Public Comments – None.

Emily Chyma provided an update to the Board on upcoming Student Council activities. Ms. Chyma stated that some Student Council members would be attending the upcoming state convention and that Elizabeth Albright and Carly Mathes-Henly would be singing the National Anthem at the convention. Ms. Chyma stated that there would be a Trunk or Treat in the High School parking lot on October 30^th and that Student Council would be hosting a blood drive on November 10^th. Student Council members recently met with administrators to discuss and work through issues. Ms. Chyma stated that this was a positive discussion and students were happy to have their voices heard.

Motion by Lekin, second by Houghton to approve the following personnel requests.  All Ayes.

New Hires – Dale Cruikshank – MS Assistant Wrestling Coach; Anita Townsley – Teacher Mentor; George Kuhter – HS Head Boys Golf Coach.

After School Program Coordinators: Amy Wyatt and Leticia Babinat

After School Program Teachers: Dawn Henley, Haley Wilson, Alice Koch, Melody Cole, Janelle Unkrich, Melissa Jesina, Matthew Beatty, Teresa Hofer, Kelsea Anderson, Amy Parizek, Molly Ramirez, Regina Gill, Elizabeth Weitzell, Michelle Wiegand, Carla Coates, Ashley Steven, Morgan McFate, Megan Brown, Sarah Klopping, Nicole Hitchcock, Mariah Snyder, Levi Klopping, George Kuhter, Chelsea Ahrens, Angela Bair, Michelle Bradley, Emily Chyma, Denise Danker, Rachael Davis, Victoria Hamilton, Daniel Kass, Jill Kienzle, Daniel Mayo, Joseph Miller, Miranda Moen, Katherine Murphy, Delonda Pushetonequa, Audrey Roth, Andrea Rutledge, Noah Schmelzer, Sandra Tracy, Robert Tyynismaa, Alison Vavra, Nicholas Vesley, Patricia Vincent, Amy Wade, Deanna Zmolek

After School Program Paraeducators: Trudy Suchanek, Jorena Vavra, Melinda Martens, Tracy Glockl, Marie Mann, Sarah Novotny, and Elizabeth Placencia.

Volunteers – Gustavo Chavarria – HS Gamers Night

Officials – Tessa Matherly – MS 7^th Grade Volleyball, John Bartello – MS Wrestling, Bryan Foster – MS Wrestling, Brandon Dufoe – MS Wrestling, Patrick Kopsa – MS Wrestling, Ben Marshall – MS Wrestling, Dan Loughry – MS Wrestling, Jeremy Weiermann – Girls 7^th Grade Basketball, Tom Kemper – Girls 7^th & 8^th Grade Basketball, James Hall – Girls 7^th & 8^th Grade Basketball, Robert Averill – Girls 7^th & 8^th Grade Basketball, David Nitz – Girls 7^th & 8^th Grade Basketball, Dan Rhine – HS Varsity Girls Volleyball, Dennis Dirks – HS 9^th Grade Volleyball, Donald Anderson – HS 9^th Grade Volleyball, Deidra Mohr – HS Varsity Girls Volleyball, Tiffany Thiessen – HS 9^th & Varsity Volleyball, Gregory Davies – HS 9^th & Varsity Volleyball

Motion by Houghton, second by Werner to approve the 2021-2022 STC Activities Overnight Trips as presented. All Ayes                           

Motion by Lekin, second by Houghton to approve the revised changes to Board Policy 401.7R1 Early Retirement Incentives as presented.  All Ayes.

Motion by Houghton, second by Werner to approve the Early Retirement incentive of $7,800 a year for five years. All Ayes.

Motion by Houghton, second by Lekin to approve the donation of one old school bus to the Tama Fire Department and old school bus to the Toledo Fire Department to be used for local training exercises. All Ayes.

Motion by Lekin, second by Houghton to approve the resolution authorizing the Board President, Superintendent, or Board Secretary to open a stock account with the State Bank of Toledo. All Ayes.

Dr. Smith provided a COVID update to the Board. Dr. Smith shared the most recent COVID Dashboard numbers with the Board and provided an update on recent meetings he has had with staff members.  

Dr. Smith stated the IASB annual convention will be occurring on November 17^th and 18^th. Dr. Smith asked the Board to contact the administrative if they would like to register and attend the conference. Dr. Smith and the Board discussed different options for having a work session for new Board orientation sometime after the November 2^nd election.

Elizabeth Dolezal and Larry Fletcher from the Middle School Task force provided an update to the Board on the Middle School project. Ms. Dolezal and Mr. Fletcher gave a recap of what has occurred during the Task Force meetings over the last 4-5 months.  Mr. Fletcher stated that the Task Force has narrowed the Middle School project down to two designs. Mr. Fletcher and Ms. Dolezal stated the State is interested in incentivizing the use of the Juvenile Home property. There was discussion around the Juvenile Home property and what amount would be needed from the State to make the Juvenile Home property a viable option. The Task Force is working to compromise and come up with a plan that everyone can agree on and present to the Board and the Community. The Task Force also asked for more clarity and direction from the Board for this Middle School project. The Task Force Representatives and the Board discussed the current contract situations with the Middle School project Construction Manager and Architect. The Board and the Task Force members discussed having a joint work session at the next Board meeting on November 1^st.

Motion by Lekin, second by Werner to adjourn the meeting at 6:29 p.m.  All Ayes.

________________________________            _________________________________

Penny Tyynismaa, Board President                     Randy Denham, Board Secretary    

 

 

 

 

REGULAR SESSION

OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE

COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT OF SOUTH TAMA COUNTY

 

The Board of Directors of the Community School District of South Tama County met in Regular Session on November 1, 2021 at the Elementary School, Tama, Iowa at 5:00 p.m. with members of the community attending electronically through Google Hangouts.

On call of the roll the following were present:  Penny Tyynismaa, Mandy Lekin, Clint Werner, and Ronald Houghton. Absent: Alan Kline. Quorum Present. Also present were: Jared Smith, Randy Denham, Samantha Peska, building principals, and several members of the community.

Motion by Lekin, second by Houghton to approve the agenda.  All Ayes.

Motion by Houghton, second by Lekin to approve the following consent agenda items: Minutes from the October 18, 2021 regular meeting; Bills for payment as presented; and a three-year agreement with The Shredder for document disposal services. All Ayes.

Public Comments – Jim Roan addressed the Board about the proposed Middle School project. Mr. Roan shared his experiences on the various projects he has assisted the School District and the community with over the years. Mr. Roan asked the Board to consider all factors involved when looking at building a brand-new Middle School versus using an existing facility such as the Juvenile Home. Mr. Roan thanked the Board for all of their hard work and service.

Motion by Lekin, second by Werner to approve the following personnel requests.  All Ayes.

New Hires:  Lon Wilkerson – HS Head Varsity Softball Coach; Jeff Niedermann – HS Head Varsity Boys Soccer Coach.  

Transfers: Katie Schuett – From full time District-wide Substitute to Elementary Special Education Teacher

Resignations: Rick Hopper – MS 7^th/8^th Boys Basketball Coach; Lon Wilkerson – HS Assistant Varsity Softball Coach

Volunteers: Baron Davis – Wrestling; Mike Wedmore – HS Boys Basketball; Jason Arp – MS/HS Wrestling; Mike Carnahan – Esports Team DEC; Daniel Kass – Esports Team Coach

Officials: Seth Koch – HS 9^th Boys Basketball; Eugene Ubben – 7^th Grade Girls Basketball, 8^th Grade Boys Basketball; David Lee – MS Girls & Boys Track & Field; David Nitz – 7^th & 8^th Grade Boys Basketball; Robert Averill – 7^th & 8^th Grade Boys Basketball; Jeremy Weiermann  - 7^th & 8^th Grade Boys Basketball

Anthony Jahr and Mike Carnahan presented a proposed large Music trip for High School students from May 25, 2022-May 30, 2022. Discussion occurred regarding the timing of the trip and potential scheduling conflicts with semester tests, potential snow days, and summer sports seasons.

Motion by Houghton, second by Werner to approve the 2022 Large Band Trip to Los Angeles, CA from May 25, 2022-May 30, 2022. Ayes: Lekin, Hougton, Werner. Nays: Tyynismaa. The motion carried.

Mr. Jahr asked the Board if they would like to open up the use of facilities to outside organizations again as the District has started to receive requests. Motion by Houghton, second by Lekin to approve allowing outside groups to start renting STC facilities again.  All Ayes.

Mr. Jahr and Mr. Carnahan presented a request to approve the addition of an ESports Team to South Tama. Mr. Jahr reviewed the State sanctioned governing requirements for the program. Mr. Jahr explained how the program would be set up and run in the District. Motion by Lekin, second by Houghton to approve the addition of an Esports Team for students. All Ayes.

Motion by Houghton, second by Lekin to approve the Impact Aid Indian Policies and Procedures as presented for the 2022-2023 school year. All Ayes.

Motion by Lekin, second by Werner to approve the application to the School Budget Review Committee in the amount of $2,079.98 for special education administrative costs associated with the River Hills Consortium program for the 2022-2023 school year. All Ayes.

Dr. Smith provided the Board an update from the most recent Middle School Task Force meeting. Dr. Smith stated that there would be community input meetings during the month of November for the Middle School Project. At the last Middle School Task Force meeting it had been discussed and decided to move forward with a communications firm.

The Board discussed concerns around the process and whether now was the right time to move forward with a communications firm for the Middle School Project. The Board discussed potentially having work sessions with the Task Force in the near future to discuss the project and options in more detail.  

Motion by Houghton, second by Werner to table the decision for the use of Donovan Group as the Communications Firm to assist with the Middle School Project to a future meeting. Ayes: Lekin, Houghton, Werner. Nays: Tyynismaa. The motion carried.  

Samantha Peska shared the 2020-2021 ISASP results with the Board. Mrs. Peska reviewed the steps the District is taking to address learning loss. Each of the building principals briefly shared the various programs being done in each of their buildings to help students.

Dr. Smith provided a COVID update to the Board. Dr. Smith shared the most recent COVID Dashboard numbers and shared custodial staff cleaning expectations with the Board.

Dr. Smith gave an updated timeline from the Middle School Task Force. Dr. Smith proposed moving the December Board meeting to December 13^th. Dr. Smith also proposed changing the dates for the January and February Board meetings due to regularly scheduled Board meetings falling on holidays. Dr. Smith provided the following dates for the January and February Board Meetings: January 10, 2022, January 24, 2022, February 7, 2022, and February 22, 2022. Dr. Smith stated that Board meetings could resume back to the first and third Monday of each month starting in March. The Board stated that these dates would work for them.

Motion by Lekin, second by Werner to adjourn the meeting at 6:45 p.m.  All Ayes.

________________________________            _________________________________

Penny Tyynismaa, Board President                     Randy Denham, Board Secretary    

 

 

REGULAR SESSION

OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE

COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT OF SOUTH TAMA COUNTY

The Board of Directors of the Community School District of South Tama County met in Regular Session to hold the Annual Meeting on November 15, 2021 at the Elementary School, Tama, Iowa at 5:01 p.m. with members of the community attending electronically through Google Hangouts.

On call of the roll the following were present:  Penny Tyynismaa, Mandy Lekin, Clint Werner, Alan Kline. Ronald Houghton attended via Google Hangouts. Absent: None. Quorum Present. Also present were: Jared Smith, Randy Denham, Jared Schirmer and Jessica Manfull from Lincoln Savings Bank, Nicole Hitchcock, Heather Gould and Maureen Hanson from Central Rivers AEA, and several members of the community.

Motion by Kline, second by Lekin to approve the agenda.  All Ayes.

Motion by Lekin, second by Kline to approve the following consent agenda items: Minutes from the November 1, 2021 regular meeting; Bills for payment as presented; Financial Statements as presented; and a rental agreement with the Reining Center for December 15, 2021. All Ayes.

Public Comments – None.

Nicole Hitchcock made a Partners in Education presentation to Lincoln Savings Bank representatives Jared Schirmer and Jessica Manfull.  

Heather Gould and Maureen Hanson from Central Rivers AEA reviewed the various services and resources that the AEA’s provide to local school districts.  

Motion by Lekin, second by Kline to approve the following personnel requests.  All Ayes. 

Transfers: Matthew Beatty – From MS 7^th Head Girls Track to MS 7^th Head Boys Track

Resignations: Dawn Vest – Bus Driver effective November 30, 2021; Ruth Kosbau - Costumer

Volunteers: Travis Smith – HS Wrestling; Shannon Crawford – HS/Elementary Activities

Officials: Stacy O’Hare – HS 9^th/10^th Girls Basketball; Eugen Ubben – HS 9^th/10^th Girls Basketball; Jeremy Weiermann – HS 9^th Boys Basketball

Dr. Smith presented the Communication Firm agreement to assist with the Middle School Project.  Dr. Smith updated the Board on questions and concerns that have previously come up with regards to the Communications Firm and how those issues have been addressed.  

Motion by Werner, second by Lekin to approve the agreement with the Donovan Group as a Communications Firm to assist with the Middle School Project. All Ayes.

Motion by Lekin, second by Kline to approve the School Budget Review Committee application for modified supplemental amount of $84,576 for students that were open enrolled out but were not included on the prior year certified count as presented. All Ayes.

Motion by Kline, second by Lekin to approve the application to the School Budget Review Committee for modified supplemental amount of $112,596.66 for LEP programming beyond 5 years as presented. All Ayes.

Motion by Werner, second by Kline to approve the application to the School Budget Review Committee for modified supplemental amount of $186,725.12 for LEP allowable costs. All Ayes.

Motion by Lekin, second by Kline to approve the 2020-2021 fiscal year Treasurer’s Annual Settlement Report as presented. All Ayes.

Mr. Denham reviewed the canvas of election results. Elizabeth Dolezal was declared the winner of the District 1 election and Beth Wiese was declared the winner of the District 4 election. Dr. Smith and the Board thanked Alan Kline and Ron Houghton for their years of service on the Board.

Motion by Lekin, second by Werner to adjourn the Annual Meeting at 5:41 p.m. All Ayes.

Mr. Denham called the Organizational Meeting to Order at 5:41 p.m.

On call of the roll the following were present: Penny Tyynismaa, Mandy Lekin, Clint Werner, Elizabeth Dolezal, and Beth Wiese. Absent: None.

Mr. Denham administered the Oath of Office to Elizabeth Dolezal and Beth Wiese.

Mr. Denham accepted nominations for Board President. Penny Tyynismaa nominated Mandy Lekin which was seconded by Clint Werner. Receiving no other nominations, the motion passed unanimously to elect Mandy Lekin as Board President for the next year.

Mr. Denham administered the Oath of Office to Mandy Lekin as Board President.

President Lekin accepted nominations for Board Vice President. Board member Clint Werner nominated Penny Tyynismaa which was seconded by Elizabeth Dolezal. Receiving no other nominations, the motion passed to unanimously elect Penny Tyynismaa as Board Vice President for the next year.

Mr. Denham administered the Oath of Office to Penny Tyynismaa as Board Vice President.

Dr. Smith provided a Middle School Project Update. Dr. Smith recapped the community meetings from the prior week and shared the project packet that was presented during the meetings. Dr. Smith reviewed the most recent results of the survey that had been shared with the community after the meetings. The Board discussed concerns regarding the lack of community members with school age children participating in the community meetings. The Board discussed different options to increase the engagement of those families with the Middle School Project. The Board reviewed the preliminary designs for the two options and also discussed the pros and cons of each. The Board discussed potential student impact of shared staff and how to quantify educational opportunities for students for each location.

Dr. Smith provided a COVID update to the Board. Dr. Smith shared the most recent updates on the status of the OSHA Emergency Temporary Standard. The Board discussed different options if the OSHA standard becomes law. The Board advised the Administrative Team to take a wait and see approach until clearer guidance comes from State Associations and legal counsel.  

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Wiese to adjourn the meeting at 6:36 p.m.  All Ayes.

________________________________            _________________________________

Penny Tyynismaa, Board President                     Randy Denham, Board Secretary    

 

 

 

 

REGULAR SESSION

OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE

COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT OF SOUTH TAMA COUNTY

The Board of Directors of the Community School District of South Tama County met in Regular Session on December 13, 2021 at the Elementary School, Tama, Iowa at 5:00 p.m. with members of the community attending electronically through Google Hangouts.

On call of the roll the following were present:  Mandy Lekin, Penny Tyynismaa, Clint Werner, Elizabeth Dolezal, Beth Wiese. Absent: None. Quorum Present. Also present were: Jared Smith, Randy Denham, Middle School Principal Ben Adams, Brad Leeper and Laura Peterson from Invision Architects, Ryan Ellsworth from Estes Construction, Travis Squires from Piper Sandler, Middle School Task Force Members Matt Zmolek, Charlotte Upah, and Doug Stadler, Katherine Olindecker from Tama County Economic Development, and several members of the community.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Wiese to approve the agenda.  All Ayes.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to approve the following consent agenda items: Minutes from the November 15, 2021 regular meeting and annual meeting; Bills for payment as presented; Financial Statements as presented; early graduation request for Jose Herrera and Andrea Ortega; and a software service agreement with Tyler Technologies for Transportation Student Tracking System. All Ayes.

Public Comments – None.

Matt Zmolek made a presentation on behalf of the Middle School Task Force. Mr. Zmolek reviewed the process that the Task Force went through to come up with their recommendation. The Middle School Task Force recommended to move forward with the Iowa Juvenile Home option at an estimated cost of $25 million.

Ryan Ellsworth presented the engineering assessment report from IMEG that was done on November 29. The Board discussed the condition of the Iowa Juvenile Home property and whether or not $25 million is an accurate estimate based on the potential needs of the building. The Board also discussed the current mechanical systems on the Juvenile Home property and whether those would need to be replaced or not. The Board asked for more clarity on potential funds available from the State of Iowa for the project and how the District would have to apply for and receive those funds if they are available.

Travis Squires from Piper Sandler discussed the different funding options available to the Board and also explained the timeline to get the needed petition signatures in by the January 14 deadline to be put on the ballot in March.

The Board discussed the different options available to them. The Board discussed that they would like to gather more information. The Board stated they would like to know exactly how much money the State is willing to contribute to the project. The Board also wanted more information from the City of Toledo and Tama County with regards to how they would partner with the District on a potential project at the Juvenile Home Site. The Board then discussed holding a special meeting in the near future once they were able to get more information from the State of Iowa, City of Toledo, and Tama County.

Motion by Werner, second by Tyynismaa to table a decision on the Middle School project so that more information could be gathered. Roll Call Vote: Lekin-Aye, Tyynismaa-Aye, Werner-Aye, Dolezal-Aye, Wiese-Aye. The motion carried.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Wiese to approve the following personnel requests.  All Ayes. 

Hires: Anna Marie Scott – Full Time District Wide Sub; Bridget Diveny – High School FCS Teacher; Matthew Beatty – Assistant 7^th/8^th Grade Basketball Coach; Bailey Barnes – Full Time District Wide Sub; Samantha Prior – HS Special Ed Para

Resignations: Sarah Weiermann – High School Assistant Volleyball Coach

Volunteers: Kaity Berry – Elementary Classroom

Officials: Kory Staff – Middle School 8^th Grade Boys Basketball

Dr. Smith presented data to the Board to add four additional early dismissal days for the second semester. The Board discussed starting with two early dismissal days and waiting until after the winter weather season has passed or to stay with four days since there would still be enough hours in the calendar to meet instructional requirements.

Motion by Wiese, second by Dolezal to approve adding four, two-hour early out dismissal days on January 14, 2022; February 11, 2022; March 11, 2022; and May 13, 2022. All Ayes.

Dr. Smith provided a COVID update to the Board. Dr. Smith shared that District COVID numbers have been down but that there has been an uptick in flu cases throughout the District.

Board Members Dolezal and Wiese provided an update to the Board on their experience at the Iowa Association of School Boards convention in November. Board Member Dolezal also gave the Board a recap of the Legislative Dinner that she attended on December 1 with Dr. Smith and Mr. Denham that was hosted at East Marshall school.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Werner to adjourn the meeting at 7:20 p.m.  All Ayes.

 

________________________________            _________________________________

Mandy Lekin, Board President                             Randy Denham, Board Secretary    

 

 

 

 

WORK SESSION

OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE

COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT OF SOUTH TAMA COUNTY

The Board of Directors of the Community School District of South Tama County met in a Work Session on December 22, 2021 at the Elementary School, Tama, Iowa at 5:00 p.m. with members of the community attending electronically through Google Hangouts.

On call of the roll the following were present:  Mandy Lekin, Penny Tyynismaa, Clint Werner, Elizabeth Dolezal, Beth Wiese. Absent: None. Quorum Present. Also present were: Jared Smith, Randy Denham, and several members of the community.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Werner to approve the agenda.  All Ayes.

Dr. Smith recapped the process and steps that have been taken over the last several months with the proposed Middle School Project. Dr. Smith also reviewed the presentation and recommendation that had been brought forth by the Task Force at the December 13 Board Meeting as well as the results of the most recent survey that had been sent out to the community.

The Board discussed the various repairs and renovations that would be needed at the Iowa Juvenile Home property as well as the concern for unknown repairs and renovations that could potentially occur. The Board discussed the IMEG engineering assessment from the previous Board Meeting and how some of the costs within that estimate were not included with the original budget estimate provided by Estes Construction.

President Lekin and Board Member Dolezal shared updates with the rest of the Board on conversations that they had with District Administration, Task Force Members, Toledo City Council, and representatives from Iowa Economic Development within the last week in regards to the District potentially moving forward with a Middle School project at the Iowa Juvenile Home property.

The Board reviewed the $25 million budget that had been presented by the Task Force and discussed whether that would be enough to cover the costs of the project due to all of the potential unknowns with taking the Iowa Juvenile Home property. The Board discussed concerns with the condition of the roof at the Iowa Juvenile Home and felt that the roof would need to be replaced as part of the renovation project. The Board also discussed some concerns with the sewer on the property and potential costs for repair. The pros and cons of using a Construction Manager versus a General Contractor for the Middle School project were discussed.

The Board asked Administration to reach out to Estes to get updated budget estimates for the Iowa Juvenile Home Property that would include costs to repair the roof. The Board also asked administration to work with the City of Toledo to do some preliminary telescoping of the sewer lines on the property to determine the condition of that system.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to adjourn the meeting at 6:38 p.m.  All Ayes.

________________________________            _________________________________

Mandy Lekin, Board President                             Randy Denham, Board Secretary    

 

 

SPECIAL SESSION

OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE

COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT OF SOUTH TAMA COUNTY

The Board of Directors of the Community School District of South Tama County met in a Special Session on December 27, 2021 at the Elementary School, Tama, Iowa at 5:00 p.m. with members of the community attending electronically through Google Hangouts.

On call of the roll the following were present:  Mandy Lekin, Penny Tyynismaa, Clint Werner, Elizabeth Dolezal, Beth Wiese. Absent: None. Quorum Present. Also present were: Jared Smith, Randy Denham, and several members of the community.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Werner to approve the agenda.  All Ayes.

Public Comment: None

Mr. Denham reviewed the $25 million budget for a potential Middle School at the Iowa Juvenile Home that had been presented by the Task Force at the December 13 Board Meeting. Mr. Denham then provided an updated budget of $26 million that included the updated budget estimates that had been provided by Estes Construction. Mr. Denham explained that the updated budget was calculated using the same approach that the Task Force had used to come up with the original $25 million budget so that the Board could make reasonable comparisons of the two.

The Board discussed several needs that would have to be addressed at the Iowa Juvenile Home property as well as the additional items from the IMEG engineering assessment that were not included in the Estes Construction estimates. The Board discussed the budget for the project and how it would be financed. After a thorough review the Board determined that the budget for the Middle School Project be set at $26.8 million.

Motion by Werner, second by Wiese to approve the District to move forward with the petition process for a special election in March for the Middle School Project at the Iowa Juvenile Home property at a total budget of $26.8 million to be funded by $15 million in GO Bond Debt if approved by the voters in March, $9.8 million in sales tax revenue bonds, and $2 million in sales tax cash on hand. Roll Call Vote: Lekin – Aye, Tyynismaa – Aye, Werner – Aye, Dolezal – Aye, Wiese – Aye. The motion carried. 

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Werner to adjourn the meeting at 5:34 p.m.  All Ayes.

________________________________            _________________________________

Mandy Lekin, Board President                             Randy Denham, Board Secretary    

 

 

REGULAR SESSION

OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE

COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT OF SOUTH TAMA COUNTY

 

The Board of Directors of the Community School District of South Tama County met in Regular Session on January 10, 2022 at the Elementary School, Tama, Iowa at 5:00 p.m. with members of the community attending electronically through Google Hangouts.

On call of the roll the following were present:  Mandy Lekin, Penny Tyynismaa, Clint Werner, Elizabeth Dolezal, Beth Wiese. Absent: None. Quorum Present. Also present were: Superintendent Jared Smith, Board Secretary Randy Denham, Curriculum Director Samantha Peska, Activities Director Anthony Jahr, Buildings & Grounds Director Steve McAdoo, Jill Kienzle and Cara Rypka from iJag, and several members of the community.

Motion by Dolezal, second by Wiese to approve the agenda.  All Ayes.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Werner to approve the following consent agenda items: Minutes from the December 13, 2021 regular meeting, December 22, 2021 work session, and December 27, 2021 special meeting; Bills for payment as presented; early graduation request for Nicolas Bernabe; and a memorandum of understanding with Child Abuse Prevention Services to provide health education curriculum. All Ayes.

Public Comments – Lori Rushford shared her concerns about COVID vaccine mandates with the Board. Matt Kesl, Pat Henry, and Robert McBride shared their concerns about the possibility of sharing baseball and softball programs with Meskwaki Schools.

Jill Kienzle and Cara Rypka from iJag gave a presentation to the Board. Ms. Kienzle and Ms. Rypka provided a summary of what the iJag program is and how it serves junior and senior students at the high school. Ms. Kienzle and Ms. Rypka shared with the Board what the program would look like if expanded to serve all high school students.

Motion by Dolezal, second by Wiese to approve the following personnel requests.  All Ayes. 

Hires: Kodi Hillman – 7^th Grade Girls Track Coach; Heather Garrett – 2^nd Semester mentor for District wide sub; George Kuhter – 2^nd Semester mentor for District wide sub; Sandra Tracy – 2^nd Semester mentor for FCS teacher

Resignations: Nicole Krafka – High School Paraeducator; Brycelyn Haughey – Elementary Paraeducator

Volunteers: Hunter Caraccio – Elementary Classroom

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to accept the Early Retirement Requests meeting Board Policy 401.07R1 for Susan Crain – Preschool Teacher; Alice Murphy – Middle School Paraeducator; Julie Hagerty – High School Activities Secretary; Carolyn Haughey – Accounts Payable Specialist; Charlene Willaby – Middle School Food Service; and Melanie Kemper – Elementary Guidance Counselor and to deny the Early Retirement Request that did not meet Board Policy 401.07R1 for Michelle Bradley-High School Math Teacher. Ayes: Lekin, Tyynismaa, Dolezal. Nays: Werner, Wiese. The motion carried.  

Mrs. Peska reviewed the proposal to approve offering additional English classes at the High School. Mrs. Peska explained that this proposal would provide more options for students to choose from. Mrs. Peska also explained that the addition of these courses would not result in a requirement of additional credits of the current curriculum. Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to accept the new class proposals for the High School English Department as presented. All Ayes.

Mr. Jahr presented the athletic sharing agreements to the Board. Mr. Jahr explained how the sharing works for each of the activities that was presented and discussed how sharing impacts each program. Mr. Jahr explained the financial process for sharing agreements stating that each District is responsible for costs associated with the shared programs. Mr. Jahr reviewed the BEDS enrollment count that is used to calculate state classification for High School Activities.

Motion by Dolezal, second by Werner to accept the sharing agreement with East Marshall CSD for Boys & Girls Soccer as presented. All Ayes.

Motion by Dolezal, second by Wiese to accept the sharing agreement with Marshalltown CSD for Bowling as presented. All Ayes.

Motion by Wiese, second by Werner to table a decision on sharing baseball and softball with Meskwaki CSD until more information can be gathered on how sharing would impact the District’s current program. Ayes: Lekin, Werner, Dolezal, Wiese. Nays: Tyynismaa. The motion carried.

Mr. Jahr, Mr. McAdoo, and Mr. Denham presented two quotes for the purchase of a Gator ATV. The first quote was from USS Polaris for $27,775.09 and the second quote was from John Deere for $32,500. The Board asked if there was an option to add on a mower to the Gator. It was determined that a mower could be added and the estimated cost to add a mower feature was roughly $4,500.

Motion by Wiese, second by Werner to approve the purchase of a Gator ATV from USS Polaris for $27,775.09 with the option to add on the mower feature. All Ayes.

Motion by Dolezal, second by Wiese to approve the School Budget Review Committee application request for modified supplemental amount of $243,524 for the At Risk and Drop Out Prevention Program. All Ayes.

Motion by Dolezal, second by Werner to approve the resolution ordering an election on the issuance of $15,000,000 General Obligation Bonds for renovation of the Iowa Juvenile Home into a Middle School.

Dr. Smith provided a COVID update to the Board. Dr. Smith reviewed an email that had been sent out to staff regarding the latest on the OSHA Emergency Temporary Standard. Dr. Smith shared that the Supreme Court recently heard arguments around the OSHA Standard and would be making a ruling in the near future. Dr. Smith then shared that the Iowa Division of Labor had came out late the prior week stating that they would not enforce the OSHA standard. Dr. Smith stated that the District would continue the current practice of not enforcing the OSHA standard based on the current stance of the Iowa Division of Labor as well as legal counsel advice. Dr. Smith stated the District would continue to monitor the situation as things unfold and a Supreme Court Decision is made.

Motion by Werner, second by Dolezal to adjourn the meeting at 6:35 p.m.  All Ayes.

________________________________            _________________________________

Mandy Lekin, Board President                             Randy Denham, Board Secretary    

 

REGULAR SESSION

OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE

SOUTH TAMA COUNTY COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

The Board of Directors of the South Tama County Community School District met in Regular Session on January 24, 2022 at the Elementary School, Tama, Iowa at 5:00 p.m. with members of the community attending electronically through Google Hangouts.

On call of the roll the following were present:  Mandy Lekin, Penny Tyynismaa, Clint Werner, Elizabeth Dolezal, Beth Wiese. Absent: None. Quorum Present. Also present were: Superintendent Jared Smith, Board Secretary Randy Denham, Curriculum Director Samantha Peska, Student Council Sponsor Emily Chyma, and several members of the community.

Dr. Smith informed the Board that an additional resignation had come in earlier in the day and asked to have it added to the Personnel section of the agenda. Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Werner to approve the revised agenda as presented.  All Ayes.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to approve the following consent agenda items: Minutes from the January 10, 2022 regular meeting; Bills for payment as presented; Financial Statements as presented; MOU with iJag for the 2022-2023 school year; NHS Valentine’s Flower Fundraiser, Student Council Trivia Night Fundraiser, Student Council Dance Ticket Fundraiser; Lauderdale Family donation for $100,983; Agreement with ICN for Internet Network Services; and a contract with Halverson Photography for the 2022-23 school year. All Ayes.

Public Comments – None.

Student Council Sponsor Emily Chyma gave an update to the Board on upcoming Student Council Activities. Ms. Chyma informed the Board of the following fundraisers: Trivia night fundraiser on February 25 to raise funds for overnight bags for foster students and a Sweatpants dance on February 26. Ms. Chyma also stated that the Student Council is looking to put on a multicultural fair this school year but no date has been set.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Wiese to approve the following personnel requests.  All Ayes. 

Hires: Kylee Hoskins – Behavior Intervention Specialist; Dale Peterson – Bus Driver; Jennifer Nunez – Elementary Preschool/Special Ed Para.

Resignations: Hannah Bjornsen – Food Service; Andrea Rutledge – MS Softball Coach; Cory Lang – TICU Teacher

Volunteers: Makayla Backen – HS Girls Soccer

Officials: Donald Anderson – Varsity Volleyball; Dan Rhine – Varsity Volleyball; Gregory Davies – Varsity Volleyball; Deidra Mohr – 9^th Grade & Varsity Volleyball; David Mohr – Varsity Volleyball; Jordan Bliel – Varsity Wrestling; Justin Brand – Varsity Wrestling; Bob Yilek – Varsity Wrestling; Andrew May – Varsity Wrestling

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Wiese to table the baseball and softball sharing agreement with Meskwaki CSD until numbers from Meskwaki could be obtained. All Ayes.

Dr. Smith provided the Board with information on an overnight trip to the UNI Festival of Bands for the Honor Band. Motion by Wiese, second by Tyynismaa to approve the Honor Band overnight trip to the UNI Festival of Bands. All Ayes.

Mrs. Peska reviewed a proposal to offer an additional Spanish class at the High School. Mrs. Peska explained that the new course will be more of a language arts class for students who already speak Spanish. Motion by Wiese, second by Werner to accept the new class proposal for the High School Spanish Department as presented. All Ayes.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Wiese to appoint Mandy Lekin to serve on the Tama County Conference Board as a representative for South Tama County Community School District for the 2021-2022 year. All Ayes.

Randy Denham presented a bid from School Bus Sales for the purchase of two gas buses for $114,600 each. Mr. Denham explained that bids had also been received from Hoglund Bus Company for two gas buses at $113,899 each. Mr. Denham explained the District had had been informed by Hoglund after the bid had been received that parts needed for the Hoglund Bus Bid would not be available for several more months. Due to the delay in getting the buses and the minimal difference in the bid costs, Mr. Denham recommended moving forward with purchasing two gas buses from School Bus Sales at $114,600 each. Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to approve the purchase of two gas buses from School Bus Sales for $114,600 each. All Ayes.

Dr. Smith provided the most recent COVID dashboard numbers to the Board. Dr. Smith reviewed an email recently sent out to staff with frequently asked COVID questions. The Board and Dr. Smith discussed different scenarios and options if the District were to potentially have to close due to high COVID numbers or staff shortages.

Dr. Smith provided an update to the Board on the upcoming community forums for the Middle School Bond vote with the first meeting taking place on January 27 at 7:00 p.m. in the Middle School Library. The Board discussed trying to get as much community engagement in these meetings as possible and also discussed options to possibly record the meetings. The Board discussed the current agreements in place with Invision Architects for pre-referendum services. The Board stated that they would like to start a Request for Proposal process to look at selecting an architect for the Middle School project.

Vice President Tyynismaa left the meeting at 6:01 p.m.

Mr. Denham reviewed the upcoming 2022-2023 budget timeline with the Board and stated the budget will be discussed at the Board level over the next several meetings. Mr. Denham sought feedback from the Board regarding the budget.

Motion by Dolezal, second by Wiese to adjourn the meeting at 6:16 p.m.  All Ayes.

________________________________            _________________________________

Mandy Lekin, Board President                             Randy Denham, Board Secretary    

SPECIAL SESSION

OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE

SOUTH TAMA COUNTY COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

The Board of Directors of the South Tama County Community School District met in Special Session on February 2, 2022 at the Administration Office, Tama, Iowa at 7:32 a.m.

On call of the roll the following were present:  Mandy Lekin, Penny Tyynismaa, Clint Werner, Elizabeth Dolezal, Beth Wiese. Absent: None. Quorum Present. Also present were: Superintendent Jared Smith, Board Secretary Randy Denham, and Darvin Graham from Tama-Toledo News Chronicle.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Wiese to approve the agenda. All Ayes.

Motion by Dolezal, second by Tyynismaa to accept the resignation of Dr. Jared Smith as Superintendent of South Tama County Community School District effective June 30, 2022. All Ayes.

The Board discussed next steps for finding the next Superintendent for the District. The stated they would like to utilize the services of a search firm to assist with the process. The Board reviewed proposals received from Grundmeyer Leader Search and EdWise, LLC and discussed the prior experience the District had with utilizing a search firm for the hiring of the Superintendent. The Board stated they would like to move forward with Grundmeyer Leader Search and would look to formally approve an agreement at the February 7, 2022 Regular Board meeting.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to adjourn the meeting at 7:39 a.m.  All Ayes.

 

________________________________            _________________________________

Mandy Lekin, Board President                             Randy Denham, Board Secretary    

REGULAR SESSION

OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE

SOUTH TAMA COUNTY COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

The Board of Directors of the South Tama County Community School District met in Regular Session on February 7, 2022 at the Elementary School, Tama, Iowa at 5:00 p.m. with members of the community attending electronically through Google Hangouts.

On call of the roll the following were present:  Mandy Lekin, Clint Werner, Elizabeth Dolezal, Beth Wiese. Absent: Penny Tyynismaa. Quorum Present. Also present were: Superintendent Jared Smith, Board Secretary Randy Denham, Activities Director Anthony Jahr, Seth Koch, and several members of the community.

Motion by Wiese, second by Dolezal to approve the agenda as presented.  All Ayes.

Motion by Dolezal, second by Wiese to approve the following consent agenda items: Minutes from the January 24, 2022 regular meeting and February 2, 2022 special meeting; Bills for payment as presented; and an early graduation request for Kyrien DeSorbo. All Ayes.

Vice President Tyynismaa joined the meeting through Google Hangouts at 5:01 p.m.

Public Comments – None.

Motion by Dolezal, second by Wiese to approve the following personnel requests.  All Ayes. 

Resignations: Miranda Moen – HS Science Teacher effective at the end of the 2021-22 school year; Maria Cervantes – Partnership Para

Officials: Brando Dufoe – HS Boys Wrestling; Andrew May – HS Boys Wrestling

Sites Council Member (3 Year Term): Sarah Dostal

After School Program for 2021-2022 Second Semester: Approve list of teachers at $30/hour and paras at their regular hourly rate as presented.

Activities Director Anthony Jahr presented information and requested permission for students to attend an overnight trip for the International Thespian Fesival in Bloomington, IN from June 20-24. Motion by Wiese, second by Werner to approve the overnight trip for the International Thespian Festival in Bloomington, IN from June 20-24. All Ayes.

Mr. Jahr shared the potential number of students from Meskwaki CSD that would be participating in baseball and softball if the Board were to approve a sharing agreement. Head Baseball Coach Seth Koch provided an estimated number of current students that are expected to play baseball and softball this spring. Motion by Werner, second by Dolezal to approve sharing baseball and softball with Meskwaki CSD for the 2021-2022 season. Ayes: Lekin, Tyynismaa, Werner, Dolezal. Nays: Wiese. The motion carried.  

Randy Denham presented the agreement from Grundmeyer Leardership Search for services related to the search for a new Superintendent to replace Dr. Smith. Mr. Denham explained the costs of the services provided would be based on the amount of services the Board would utilize and would not be more than $12,981.60. Motion by Wiese, second by Werner to approve an agreement with Grundmeyer Leadership Search to assist with the search for a new Superintendent for a max amount of $12,981.60. All Ayes.

Mr. Denham provided information on the 2022-2023 budget and explained that the District would be on the budget guarantee for the 2022-2023 budget year due to the decline in enrollment last fall along with the low amount of State Supplemental Aid. Mr. Denham explained that the budget guarantee is fully funded through property tax. Motion by Dolezal, second by Werner to approve to levy property tax for fiscal year 2022-2023 for the regular program budget adjustment as allowed under section 257.14, Code of Iowa. All Ayes.

The Board discussed that the second February Board meeting had been moved to Tuesday, February 22 due to no school originally on February 21. The Board discussed whether to have the second February Board meeting on February 21 or 22 and decided to stay with February 22. The Board will resume meeting on the first and third Monday of each month for their meetings starting in March.  

Dr. Smith shared a proposed 2022-2023 calendar with the Board. The Board discussed the option of including a spring break in the calendar and stated that when the committee meets to discuss the 2023-2024 school calendar that two options be provided: one with a spring break and one without.

Dr. Smith provided the most recent COVID dashboard numbers to the Board. The Board discussed the guidelines staff and students must follow when they test positive. Dr. Smith brought up the idea of potentially giving two days of hazard pay for all staff. The Board asked administration to calculate the amounts and to bring that data back to the Board at a future meeting. Mr. Denham shared and reviewed the District’s ESSER fund budget with the Board.  

Dr. Smith provided an update to the Board on the upcoming community forums for the Middle School Bond vote with the next meeting taking place virtually on February 10 at 7:00 p.m. Dr. Smith recapped the last community meeting held and stated that there had been a lot of positive feedback from the visuals that were shared. The Board discussed the possibility of doing satellite voting for the March 1 bond vote and stated that they would like to see an additional informational mailer go out to the community closer to the vote. Dr. Smith stated that he will continue to push information out to the community. Mr. Denham provided a sample Request for Proposal (RFP) for architect services as was previously requested by the Board. The Board reviewed the RFP and gave the administration the go ahead to move forward with sending the RFP for architect services out to the list of architects that was provided.

Mr. Denham reviewed a list of Board policies that need to be reviewed annually by the Board and explained that all policies must be reviewed by the Board at least once every five years. The Board discussed the process to use going forward for review of Board policies.

Mr. Denham provided an update on the search for a new Superintendent and shared a list of dates for the Board to meet with Grundmeyer Leadership Search. Mr. Denham will coordinate the dates given by the Board with Dr. Grundmeyer to set up a work session to discuss the Superintendent search in the near future.  

Motion by Dolezal, second by Wiese to adjourn the meeting at 6:37 p.m.  All Ayes.

 

________________________________            _________________________________

Mandy Lekin, Board President                             Randy Denham, Board Secretary    

 

WORK SESSION

OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE

COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT OF SOUTH TAMA COUNTY

The Board of Directors of the Community School District of South Tama County met in Work Session on February 17, 2022 at the Elementary School, Tama, Iowa at 5:30 p.m.

On call of the roll the following were present:  Mandy Lekin, Penny Tyynismaa, Clint Werner, Beth Wiese. Present through Google Hangouts: Elizabeth Dolezal. Absent: None. Quorum Present. Also present were: Randy Denham, Dr. Trent Grundmeyer and Roger Wilcox from Grundmeyer Leader Services, Darvin Graham from Tama-Toledo News Chronicle, and Marilyn Rippy.

Dr. Trent Grundmeyer and Roger Wilcox from Grundmeyer Leader Services provided an update to the Board on the number of applicants received so far for the Superintendent position. Dr. Grundmeyer gave a presentation to the Board that walked through the search process the Board will go through over the next month and half. Dr. Grundmeyer reviewed a community stakeholder survey with the Board that will be sent out on February 18 and will close on March 1. The Board discussed a tentative timeline for the search process. The Board set up future meeting dates on March 10 and March 22 to screen potential candidates and finalize interview committee groups. The Board and Dr. Grundmeyer tentatively set March 29 as the day that final candidates will be interviewed as long as schedules and facility availability allow.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Wiese to adjourn the meeting at 6:45 p.m.  All Ayes.

 

________________________________            _________________________________

Mandy Lekin, Board President                             Randy Denham, Board Secretary    

 

REGULAR SESSION

OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE

SOUTH TAMA COUNTY COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

The Board of Directors of the South Tama County Community School District met in Regular Session on February 22, 2022 at the Elementary School, Tama, Iowa at 5:00 p.m. with members of the community attending electronically through Google Hangouts.

On call of the roll the following were present:  Mandy Lekin, Penny Tyynismaa, Clint Werner, Elizabeth Dolezal, Beth Wiese. Absent: None. Quorum Present. Also present were: Superintendent Jared Smith, Board Secretary Randy Denham, Curriculum Director Samantha Peska, Activities Director Anthony Jahr, and several members of the community.

Dr. Smith requested that an additional resignation and a transfer request that were both received after the Board Packet was sent out be added to the Personnel portion of the agenda. Dr. Smith also requested that a rental agreement with the Reining Center for Superintendent interviews on March 29 be added to the consent agenda. Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to approve the agenda with the additional changes as presented. All Ayes. The motion carried.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Wiese to approve the following consent agenda items: Minutes from the February 7, 2022 regular meeting; Bills for payment and financial statements as presented; an agreement with the Iowa Cubs for the South Tama baseball team to play at Principal Park on June 22, 2022; and a rental agreement with the Reining Center for Superintendent interviews on March 29. All Ayes. The motion carried.

Public Comments – Sabrina Vest, Chad Vest, Amanda Timm, and Jim Little separately addressed the Board about a recent poem performance that was done at a high school pep rally. Each of the individuals expressed their concerns to the Board about the nature of the poem and how they felt that some of the content to the performance was offensive and should not have been done in school. Concerns of bullying and harassment due to the poem performance were also brought to the Board.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to approve the following personnel requests.  All Ayes. The motion carried.  

Resignations: Patricia Gomez – MS Para

New Hires: Bridget Diveney – Costumer; Chelsea Ahrens – Head MS Softball Coach

Transfers: Rashell Mendoza – From HS Special Ed Para to HS 1:1 Para; Keely Upah - From Kindergarten to Preschool Teacher

Volunteers: Quentin Moen – HS Driving and Supervision

Officials: Benjamin Ogle – HS Varsity Boys Wrestling, Nick Willenborg – HS Varsity Baseball, Bill Boyd – HS Varsity Baseball

Curriculum Director Samantha Peska presented information to the Board requesting approval for two special ed students to get their certificate of completion per the recommendation of the students IEP teams. Motion by Dolezal, second by Wiese to approve the two special ed students to receive a certificate of completion as presented. All Ayes. The motion carried.

Activities Director Anthony Jahr presented information to the Board requesting the addition of Girls Wrestling as a District sponsored activity starting with the 2022-2023 school year. Motion by Wiese, second by Werner to approve the addition of Girls Wrestling as a District sponsored activity starting with the 2022-2023 school year. All Ayes. The motion carried.

Randy Denham presented pay application #8 from Midwest Tennis and Track in the amount of $27,910.74 and the list of change orders totaling $5,417.22 for the HS Tennis Court Project. Mr. Denham explained that the project is 99% complete and that the change orders would need to be formally approved by the Board. Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to approve pay application #8 from Midwest Tennis and Track in the amount of $27,910.74 and the list of change orders totaling $5,417.22 as presented. Ayes: Lekin, Tyynismaa, Dolezal, Wiese. Nays: Werner. The motion carried.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to approve the first reading of the following Board Policies: 406.4 – Licensed Employee Compensation for Extra Duty; 409.1 Employee Vacation & Holidays; 412.1 – Classified Employee Compensation; 501.5 – Attendance Center Assignment; 505.5 – Graduation Requirements. All Ayes. The motion carried.

Mr. Denham provided information on the 2022-2023 budget and explained that the District’s instructional support levy would expire at the end of the 2021-2022 year. Mr. Denham outlined the steps the Board would need to take to renew the instructional support levy. Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Wiese to approve the resolution for the District to participate in the Instructional Support Program and to set a public hearing on the Instructional Support Levy for March 21, 2022. All Ayes. The motion carried.

Dr. Smith provided the most recent COVID dashboard numbers to the Board and reviewed county positivity rates. Dr. Smith and Mr. Denham presented information on potential hazard pay for all STC employees that would be paid out of ESSER funds. The total cost of two days of hazard pay for all STC staff would be $114,559.54. The Board directed Dr. Smith and Mr. Denham to bring this information to the next Board meeting to be formally approved.

Dr. Smith provided an update to the Board on the upcoming MS Project Bond vote with the next community meeting taking place this evening at the high school after the conclusion of the Board meeting. The Board discussed the various voting locations available and encouraged community members to get out and vote. Mr. Denham provided an update on the architect RFP process stating that a preconference and walk through of the Juvenile Home Facility would be taking place on Thursday, February 24, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. Mr. Denham stated bids would be due on March 9, 2022. President Lekin gave a recap of the Governor’s visit to the Juvenile Home on February 18.

Mr. Denham provided an update on the search for a new Superintendent and shared that a community input survey was shared out on February 18 and that the survey would close on March 1. Mr. Denham reviewed upcoming dates with the Board. Special closed session meetings will take place on March 10 and March 22 to screen the applicants and narrow the field down. Final candidate interviews will take place on March 29 at the Reining Center.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Wiese to adjourn the meeting at 6:15 p.m.  All Ayes.

 

________________________________            _________________________________

Mandy Lekin, Board President                             Randy Denham, Board Secretary    

PUBLIC HEARING REGULAR SESSION

OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE

SOUTH TAMA COUNTY COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

The Board of Directors of the Community School District of South Tama County met on March 7, 2022 for a Public Hearing on the 2022-2023 School Calendar at the Elementary School, Tama, Iowa at 5:00 p.m. with members of the community attending electronically through Google Hangouts.

On call of the roll the following were present:  Mandy Lekin, Penny Tyynismaa, Clint Werner, Elizabeth Dolezal, and Beth Wiese. Absent: None. Quorum Present. Also present were: Superintendent Dr. Jared Smith, Board Secretary Randy Denham and several members of the community.

Motion by Dolezal second by Tyynismaa to approve the agenda.  All Ayes.

Public Hearing – 2022-2023 School Calendar: President Lekin opened the Public Hearing for 2022-2023 School Calendar at 5:00 p.m. President Lekin asked for public comments. Hearing none, President Lekin asked for a motion to close the Public Hearing.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Wiese to close the Public Hearing at 5:01 p.m.  All Ayes.

The Regular Session was called to order at 5:01 p.m.

On call of the roll the following were present:  Mandy Lekin, Penny Tyynismaa, Clint Werner, Elizabeth Dolezal, Beth Wiese.  Members Absent - None.  Quorum Present.  Also present were: Superintendent Dr. Jared Smith, Board Secretary Randy Denham, Middle School Principal Ben Adams, Roger Wilcox from Grundmeyer Leader Services, and several members of the community.

President Lekin requested to move the Superintendent Stakeholder survey results up to the top of the agenda. Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Werner to approve the agenda with the changes as presented. All Ayes. The motion carried.

Roger Wilcox from Grundmeyer Leader Services reviewed the Superintendent Search Stakeholder Survey results with the Board. Mr. Wilcox presented information to the Board on next steps in the Superintendent search process.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to approve the following consent agenda items: Minutes from the February 17, 2022 work session and February 22, 2022 regular meeting; Bills for payment as presented; AEA Purchasing agreement for the 2022-2023 school year; and a student teaching agreement with the University of Northern Iowa for the 2022-2023 school year. All Ayes. The motion carried.

Public Comments – Marilyn Rippy, Luis Avalos, Itzel Herrera, Eric Rosario, Riley Grimes, and Allison Graham separately addressed the Board about a recent poem performance that was done at a high school pep rally. Each of the individuals expressed their support of the performance and shared their thoughts about the importance of the poem reflecting some of the issues that they face in their everyday lives.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Wiese to approve the following personnel requests.  All Ayes. The motion carried.  

Resignations: Lon Wilkerson – 8^th Grade Boys Basketball Coach; Heather Keen – Special Ed Para; Matthew Beatty – Elementary ELL Teacher, Middle School Football, and Middle School Girls Track

New Hires: Margarita Moreno – Elementary Food Service

Volunteers: Nathan Doran – High School Track

Officials: David Lee – Cross Country

Motion by Dolezal, second by Wiese to approve the 2022-2023 School Calendar as presented. All Ayes. The motion carried.

Dr. Smith and Middle School principal Ben Adams presented a plan to realign Middle School TAG and Writing positions. The plan will involve splitting the current Middle School TAG and Writing position into two separate positions. Some duties will be realigned to an Interventionist position and an open Para position will not be replaced to open up for the new Writing position. Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Wiese to approve the realignment of the Middle School TAG and Writing positions as presented. All Ayes. The motion carried.

Dr. Smith and Mr. Denham presented the District’s plan to pay a $1,000 retention bonus and two days of hazard pay to all staff in good standing utilizing the District’s ESSER funds. Mr. Denham explained that the $1,000 retention bonus would be for all staff that do not qualify for the $1,000 retention bonus plan. Mr. Denham explained that the total cost to the District for the $1,000 retention bonus and the two days of hazard pay would be roughly $256,000. The $1,000 retention bonus will be paid on the March payroll and the two days of hazard pay will be paid on the April payroll. Motion by Wiese, second by Werner to approve the use of District ESSER funds for a $1,000 retention bonus and two days of hazard pay as presented. All Ayes. The motion carried.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to approve a resolution to set a public hearing for March 21, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. at the Elementary on the proposed issuance of approximately $16,500,000 School Infrastructure Sales, Services, and Use Tax Revenue and Refunding Bonds. All Ayes: The motion carried.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Wiese to approve the engagement letter with Piper Sandler for the issuance of Sales Tax Bonds. All Ayes. The motion carried.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Wiese to approve the contract with Piper Sandler for the issuance of General Obligation Bonds. All Ayes. The motion carried.

Motion by Wiese, second by Tyynismaa to approve the first reading of the following Board Policies: 505.8 Parental Involvement; 505.8R1 Parent and Family Engagement Regulation; 600 Goals and Objectives Educational Program; 601.1 School Calendar. All Ayes. The motion carried.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Wiese to approve the second and final reading of the following Board Policies: 406.4 Licensed Employee Compensation for Extra Duty; 409.1 Employee Vacation & Holidays; 412.1 Classified Employee Compensation; 501.5 Attendance Center Assignment; 505.5 Graduation Requirements. All Ayes. The motion carried.

Dr. Smith asked the Board if they would like to continue to have COVID/Vaccine update as a standing discussion item for Board meetings. The Board stated that this topic can be removed and will only bring back going forward if necessary.

Mr. Denham presented the canvas of votes for the March 1 Middle School Project Bond Election. Mr. Denham reported that the measure passed with 83% approval. Dr. Smith provided an update on the architect RFP process.

Mr. Denham provided an updated timeline of the Superintendent Search process. The Board will meet in a special closed session on March 10 to begin looking through the applications.

President Lekin thanked everyone in attendance for their comments earlier in the meeting. The Board expressed their support of the students to keep doing what they are doing. The Board also explained that they are listening to both sides of the issue and are taking the necessary steps to seriously look into any complaints and concerns that are brought forth. Dr. Smith provided an update to the Board on the steps the District has taken to respond to the recent concerns of the speech performance at the high school. Dr. Smith shared that the District had met with legal counsel and it had been determined that no policies or rules had been broken by the speech performance. Dr. Smith shared with the Board checks and balances that will be put in place moving forward with any performance that may be considered controversial or uncomfortable for students and staff. The Board expressed their desire to continue to support extracurricular activities as long as students stay within the guidelines set forth by rules and policies. The Board spoke about the importance of differentiating that some extracurricular activities do not have as strict of limitations as classroom activities. The Board stated that if students are being pressured or harassed that they hope those students will bring that to the attention of staff so that it can be properly addressed. 

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to adjourn the meeting at 6:35 p.m.  All Ayes.

 

________________________________            _________________________________

Mandy Lekin, Board President                             Randy Denham, Board Secretary    

SPECIAL SESSION

OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE

SOUTH TAMA COUNTY COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

The Board of Directors of the South Tama County Community School District met in Special Session on March 10, 2022 at the Partnership Center, Tama, Iowa at 5:02 p.m.

On call of the roll the following were present:  Mandy Lekin, Penny Tyynismaa, Clint Werner, Elizabeth Dolezal, Beth Wiese. Absent: None. Quorum Present. Also present were: Board Secretary Randy Denham and Roger Wilcox from Grundmeyer Leader Services.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Werner to approve the agenda. All Ayes.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Wiese to go into closed session pursuant to Iowa Code 21.5(1)(i) to evaluate the professional competency of an individual whose appointment, hiring, performance, or discharge is being considered when necessary to prevent needless and irreparable injury to that individual’s reputation and that individual requests a closed session. All Ayes.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to come out of closed session at 6:42 p.m.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Werner to adjourn the meeting at 6:42 p.m  All Ayes.

 

________________________________            _________________________________

Mandy Lekin, Board President                             Randy Denham, Board Secretary    

PUBLIC HEARING & SPECIAL SESSION

OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE

SOUTH TAMA COUNTY COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

The Board of Directors of the South Tama County Community School District met on March 14, 2022 for a Public Hearing on Continued Participation in the Instructional Support Levy Program at the Elementary School, Tama, Iowa at 5:00 p.m.

On call of the roll the following were present:  Mandy Lekin, Penny Tyynismaa, Clint Werner, Elizabeth Dolezal, Beth Wiese. Absent: None. Quorum Present. Also present were: Superintendent Dr. Jared Smith and Board Secretary Randy Denham.

Motion by Dolezal, second by Wiese to approve the agenda. All Ayes.

Public Hearing – Continued Participation in the Instructional Support Levy Program: President Lekin opened the Public Hearing for the Continued Participation in the Instructional Support Levy Program at 5:00 p.m. President Lekin asked for public comments. Hearing none, President Lekin asked for a motion to close the Public Hearing.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to close the Public Hearing at 5:01 p.m. All Ayes.

The Special Session was called to order at 5:01 p.m.

On call of the roll the following were present: Mandy Lekin, Penny Tyynismaa, Clint Werner, Elizabeth Dolezal, Beth Wiese. Members Absent – None. Quorum present. Also present were: Superintendent Dr. Jared Smith and Board Secretary Randy Denham.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to approve the agenda. All Ayes. The motion carried.

Motion by Tynismaa, second by Wiese to approve the following personnel requests. All Ayes. The motion carried.

Resignations: Daniel Kass – High School Math Teacher; Samantha Prior – High School Special Education Para

New Hires: Leah Founa – Elementary Counselor; Todd Dale – Head 8^th Grade Boys Track Coach; Levi Klopping – Assistant Middle School Boys Soccer Coach

Transfers: Bailey Barnes from Elementary Full Time Sub to Kindergarten; Katelyn Gettle from Kindergarten to 3^rd Grade

Motion by Wiese, second by Dolezal to approve the resolution to continue participation in the Instructional Support Levy Program. All Ayes. The motion carried.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to adjourn the meeting at 5:04 p.m.  All Ayes.

 

________________________________            _________________________________

Mandy Lekin, Board President                             Randy Denham, Board Secretary    

PUBLIC HEARING REGULAR SESSION

OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE

SOUTH TAMA COUNTY COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

The Board of Directors of the Community School District of South Tama County met on March 21, 2022 for a Public Hearing on the Proposed Issuance of Approximately $16,500,000 School Infrastructure Sales, Services, and Use Tax Revenue and Refunding Bonds at the Elementary School, Tama, Iowa at 5:00 p.m. with members of the community attending electronically through Google Hangouts.

On call of the roll the following were present:  Mandy Lekin, Penny Tyynismaa, Clint Werner, Elizabeth Dolezal, and Beth Wiese. Absent: None. Quorum Present. Also present were: Superintendent Dr. Jared Smith, Board Secretary Randy Denham, and several members of the community.

Motion by Tyynismaa second by Werner to approve the agenda.  All Ayes.

Public Hearing – President Lekin opened the Public Hearing for the Proposed Issuance of Approximately $16,500,000 School Infrastructure Sales, Services, and Use Tax Revenue and Refunding Bonds at 5:00 p.m. President Lekin asked for public comments. Hearing none, President Lekin asked for a motion to close the Public Hearing.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Wiese to close the Public Hearing at 5:01 p.m.  All Ayes.

The Regular Session was called to order at 5:01 p.m.

On call of the roll the following were present:  Mandy Lekin, Penny Tyynismaa, Clint Werner, Elizabeth Dolezal, Beth Wiese.  Members Absent - None.  Quorum Present.  Also present were: Superintendent Dr. Jared Smith, Board Secretary Randy Denham, Maintenance Director Steve McAdoo, Activities Director Anthony Jahr, Mark Becker from Mark J. Becker & Associates, Nathan Compton from ISG Architects, and several members of the community.

Dr. Smith requested to remove the Proposal to Add Non-Voting Student Members to the Board Discussion Item due to the students requesting more time to prepare. Dr. Smith also requested to add a couple additional hires and a resignation that came in after the Board Packet had been sent out. Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to approve the agenda with the changes as presented. All Ayes. The motion carried.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to approve the following consent agenda items: Minutes from the March 7, 2022 regular meeting, March 10, 2022 special session, and March 14, 2022 special session; Bills for payment and Financial Statements as presented; Tennis Fundraiser selling burgers to raise funds for the general expenses of the tennis program; student teaching agreement with Morningside University for the 2022-2023 school year; and a 2022-2023 Senior Year Plus agreement with Iowa Valley Community College. All Ayes. The motion carried.

Public Comments – Amy Stotts thanked the Board for making sure that public comments were kept to the two minute minimum as stated in the Board agendas. Dixie Forcht asked the Board to table the Little Theater Upgrades agenda item so that she could meet with Mr. McAdoo and Mr. Jahr to discuss the upgrades further.

Mark Becker from Mark J. Becker and Associates presented the results of the Assessment of the District’s current insurance plans that was requested by the District earlier in the school year. Mr. Becker gave an outline of the District’s current insurance plans and options for next steps.

Director of Finance, Randy Denham presented the 2022-2023 Certified Budget to the Board. Mr. Denham presented the budget with an overall tax rate of $14.45 which is $0.64 lower than the prior year. Mr. Denham explained the drop was due to the Bond vote for the Middle School project where the voters approved to drop the $2.70 tax levy down to $2.06. Mr. Denham recommended setting a public hearing for the 2022-2023 Certified Budget for Monday, April 4, 2022 at 5:00 p.m.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Werner to approve the following personnel requests.  All Ayes. The motion carried.

Resignations: Nick Wheeler – High School Night Custodian

New Hires: Carley Bolhuis – Elementary Special Ed Para; Linda Puumala – High School Activities Secretary

Transfers: Steve Bearden – From First Grade to Elementary ELL Teacher; April Van Dee – From Middle School Special Ed Para to Middle School Library Media Aide; Deborah Price – From Middle School Part Time Special Ed Para to Middle School Full Tie Special Ed Para

Volunteers: Joe Miller – High School Boys Soccer

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Wiese to table approval of the High School Little Theater upgrades to a future meeting. All Ayes. The motion carried.

Dr. Smith provided an update to the Board on the process for selecting an architect for the Middle School Project moving forward. Dr. Smith reported that several RFP’s had been received and that a District Committee consisting of Board Members and Administration had interviewed Invision, OPN Architects, and ISG Architects on March 15. After careful consideration the Committee recommended that the District move forward on the Middle School Project with ISG architects due to their familiarity with the Iowa Juvenile Home site as well as their bid coming in at 6.25% of construction costs which was lower than the other two firms. Board member Dolezal requested that the agreement be changed from 24 months of service coverage to 30 months. Nathan Compton from ISG Architects said that this modification to the agreement could be made. Motion by Dolezal, second by Werner to approve the contract with ISG Architects with the changes presented to move forward with the Middle School Project. All Ayes. The motion carried.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Wiese to set the public hearing for the 2022-2023 Certified Budget for Monday, April 4, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. at the Elementary. All Ayes. The motion carried.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to approve the resolution supporting the proposed issuance of approximately $16,500,000 School Infrastructure Sales, Services, and Use Tax Revenue and Refunding Bonds. All Ayes. The motion carried.

Mr. Denham presented the resolution authorizing the redemption of the outstanding General Bond Obligations. Mr. Denham explained that this resolution would authorize the District to pay off the remaining $405,000 for the General Obligation Bonds for the Elementary. Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Wiese to approve the Resolution Authorizing the Redemption of Outstanding General Obligation School Refunding Bonds. All Ayes. The motion carried.

Mr. Denham presented the 2022-2023 insurance renewal for the District. Mr. Denham recommended to move the District outside of the Mercer Trust and to change the District Benefits Consultant from Mercer to Mark J. Becker and Associates effective July 1, 2022. Mr. Denham explained that this switch will save the District at least $40,000 per year from the start with the potential for increased savings as the District works with Mr. Becker and his team to improve the District’s insurance offerings and plan design. Motion by Wiese, second by Werner to approve the 2022-2023 insurance renewal to move the District out of the Trust with Mercer at an increase of $137,581. All Ayes. The motion carried.

Motion by Wiese, second by Tyynismaa to terminate the Benefits Consultant agreement with Mercer effective June 30, 2022 with notice being given to Mercer by April 1, 2022 to comply with the 90-day termination notice in the current agreement. All Ayes. The motion carried.

Motion by Dolezal, second by Wiese to approve the Benefits Consultant agreement with Mark J. Becker and Associates effective July 1, 2022. All Ayes. The motion carried.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Wiese to approve the first reading of the following Board Policies: 605.4 Technology & Instructional Materials; 606.1 Class Size; 606.6 Insufficient Classroom Space. All Ayes. The motion carried.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to approve the second and final reading of the following Board Policies: 505.8 Parental Involvement; 505.8R1 Parent and Family Engagement Regulation; 600 Goals and Objectives Educational Program; 601.1 School Calendar. All Ayes. The motion carried.

Activities Director Anthony Jahr presented a proposal to the Board to pause Varsity Softball for the 2022 season due to low numbers. Mr. Jahr explained that the girls would still play a Level 2 schedule and would potentially play a Level 3 schedule depending on Middle School numbers. Mr. Jahr stated that the District would look to add in other non-conference games where possible and that this pause would only be for this season. Motion by Wiese, second by Werner to pause the Varsity Softball program for the 2022 season as presented. All Ayes. The motion carried.

Mr. Jahr gave an update on the District’s Athletic Training Services. Mr. Jahr explained that the District’s current athletic trainer had to terminate the agreement due to a family relocation. Mr. Jahr reviewed the different options that are being explored to provide athletic training services for the upcoming spring and summer activities as well as options going into next school year.  

Dr. Smith provided an update on the Middle School Project. Board Member Dolezal provided an update from the most recent Toledo City Council meeting where there was discussion around the Middle School project. Dr. Smith stated that a group consisting of Board members, District Administration, ISG Architects, and representatives from the City of Toledo and Tama County Economic development would be meeting on March 30 to discuss timelines and next steps.  

Mr. Denham provided an update on the Superintendent Search. Mr. Denham stated the Board would be having a closed session on March 22, 2022 to interview and screen candidates. Final candidates will be determined after that meeting with the final interviews taking place on March 29, 2022 from 4:00-7:00 p.m.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to adjourn the meeting at 6:59 p.m.  All Ayes.

 

________________________________            _________________________________

Mandy Lekin, Board President                             Randy Denham, Board Secretary    

SPECIAL SESSION

OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE

SOUTH TAMA COUNTY COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

The Board of Directors of the South Tama County Community School District met in Special Session on March 22, 2022 at the Partnership Center, Tama, Iowa at 4:00 p.m.

On call of the roll the following were present:  Mandy Lekin, Penny Tyynismaa, Clint Werner, Elizabeth Dolezal, Beth Wiese. Absent: None. Quorum Present. Also present were: Board Secretary Randy Denham and Roger Wilcox from Grundmeyer Leader Services.

Motion by Dolezal, second by Wiese to approve the agenda. All Ayes.

Motion by Dolezal, second by Wiese to go into closed session pursuant to Iowa Code 21.5(1)(i) to evaluate the professional competency of an indivudal whose appointment, hiring, performance, or discharge is being considered when necessary to prevent needless and irreparable injury to that individual’s reputation and that individual requests a closed session. All Ayes.

Motion by Dolezal, second by Wiese to come out of closed session at 7:53 p.m.

Motion by Werner, second by Wiese to adjourn the meeting at 7:53 p.m  All Ayes.

 

________________________________            _________________________________

Mandy Lekin, Board President                             Randy Denham, Board Secretary    

SPECIAL SESSION

OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE

SOUTH TAMA COUNTY COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

The Board of Directors of the South Tama County Community School District met in Special Session on March 29, 2022 at the Reinig Center, Toledo, Iowa at 4:05 p.m.

On call of the roll the following were present:  Mandy Lekin, Penny Tyynismaa, Clint Werner, Elizabeth Dolezal, Beth Wiese. Absent: None. Quorum Present. Also present: Board Secretary Randy Denham.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Wiese to approve the agenda. All Ayes.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Wiese to go into closed session pursuant to Iowa Code 21.5(1)(i) to evaluate the professional competency of an individual whose appointment, hiring, performance, or discharge is being considered when necessary to prevent needless and irreparable injury to that individual’s reputation and that individual requests a closed session. All Ayes.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Wiese to come out of closed session at 7:15 p.m.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Wiese to adjourn the special meeting at 7:15 p.m. All Ayes.

Immediately following the special session, the Board went into Exempt Session per Iowa Code 21.9 to discuss strategy in matters relating to employment conditions of employees not covered by a Collective Bargaining Agreement. Motion by Dolezal, second by Werner to extend an offer for the position of Superintendent effective July 1, 2022 to one of the Superintendent Finalists interviewed earlier in the evening. Exempt session adjourned at 9:13 p.m.

 

________________________________            _________________________________

Mandy Lekin, Board President                             Randy Denham, Board Secretary    

 

PUBLIC HEARING AND REGULAR SESSION

OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE

COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT OF SOUTH TAMA COUNTY

The Board of Directors of the Community School District of South Tama County met on April 4, 2022 for a Public Hearing on the 2022-2023 Certified Budget at the Elementary School, Tama, Iowa at 5:00 p.m. with members of the community attending electronically through Google Hangouts.

On call of the roll the following were present:  Mandy Lekin, Penny Tyynismaa, Elizabeth Dolezal, and Beth Wiese. Absent: Clint Werner. Quorum Present. Also present were: Superintendent Dr. Jared Smith, Board Secretary Randy Denham and several members of the community.

Motion by Tyynismaa second by Dolezal to approve the agenda.  All Ayes.

Public Hearing – President Lekin opened the Public Hearing for the 2022-2023 Certified Budget at 5:00 p.m. President Lekin asked for public comments. Hearing none, President Lekin asked for a motion to close the Public Hearing.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to close the Public Hearing at 5:01 p.m.  All Ayes. The motion carried.

The Regular Session was called to order at 5:01 p.m.

On call of the roll the following were present:  Mandy Lekin, Penny Tyynismaa, Elizabeth Dolezal, and Beth Wiese.  Members Absent: Clint Werner.  Quorum Present.  Also present were: Superintendent Dr. Jared Smith, Board Secretary Randy Denham, and several members of the community.

Dr. Smith requested to add two resignations to the Personnel Action Item on the Agenda. Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to approve the agenda with the changes presented.  All Ayes. The motion carried.

Motion by Dolezal, second by Wiese to approve the consent agenda approving the minutes from the March 21, 2022 regular session, March 22, 2022 special session, and March 29, 2022 special session; bills for payment as presented; agreement with Total Rehab for Athletic training services for the April 26 track meet, and a library software agreement with Follett.  All Ayes. The motion carried.

Public Comments – None

The Board discussed the current staff openings and different options for filling those positions moving forward. The Board requested that Administration gather some data to bring back to a future Board meeting for further discussion. Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to approve the following personnel requests.  All Ayes. The motion carried.

Resignations: Andrea Rutledge – Middle School 7^th Grade Girls Basketball Coach; Brian Trester – TICU Teacher; Delonda Pushetonequa – High School Special Education Teacher; Heather Wanatee – Middle School 8^th Grade Girls Basketball Coach; Abby Swiatly – First Grade Teacher; Anthony Jahr – High School Assistant Principal/Activities Director.

Contracts: Jennifer Gross – Partnership Center Special Education Para; Sidney Barrett – Kindergarten Teacher.

Transfers: Cory Kroeger – From Sub Bus Driver to PM Route Bus Driver; Cody Taylor – From Shared High School/Elementary Custodian to High School Custodian

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Wiese to approve the two-year contract for John Cain as Superintendent starting July 1, 2022 with a 2022-2023 salary of $160,000. Roll Call Vote: Lekin-Aye, Tyynismaa-Aye, Dolezal-Aye, Wiese-Aye. The motion carried.  Mr. Denham stated that Board member Werner was unable to attend to the meeting due to other commitments but that Board Member Werner had requested that his vote of approval for the new Superintendent Contract be recorded in the minutes.                           

Mr. Denham presented two bids to repair/replace a sewer line that runs from the high school to Highway 63 that was found to be sagging following a sewer line backup on Highway 63 several weeks ago. Mr. Denham presented a bid from Hardon’s for $7,995 and a bid from Scharnweber’s for $9,200. Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to approve the bid from Hardon’s for $7,995 to repair/replace the sewer line at the High School.  All Ayes. The motion carried.

Motion by Wiese, second by Dolezal to approve the resolution authorizing the issuance of not to exceed $15,000,000 General Obligation Bonds and levying a tax for the payment thereof. All Ayes. The motion carried.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Wiese to approve the engagement letter with Ahlers & Cooney as bond counsel for the issuance of General Obligation Bonds. All Ayes. The motion carried.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Wiese to approve the 2022-2023 Certified Budget as presented with a total tax rate of $14.45. Roll Call Vote: Lekin – Aye, Tyynismaa – Aye, Dolezal – Aye, Wiese – Aye. The motion passed.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Wiese to approve the first reading of the following Board Policies: 703.1 Budget Planning; 707.2 Treasurer’s Annual Report. All Ayes. The motion carried.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to approve the second and final reading of the following Board Policies: 605.4 Technology and Instructional Materials; 606.1 Class Size; and 606.6 Insufficient Classroom Space.

Board President Lekin recapped a meeting that was held on March 30^th with representatives from the City of Toledo, ISG Architects, and District Administration on next steps for the Middle School Project. Dr. Smith stated that this group will meet again on April 19^th and that the new Superintendent, John Cain, will be participating in the meeting as well.

The Board discussed that the next regularly scheduled Board Meeting is Monday, April 18, 2022. Since this is the day after Easter the Board stated that they would move the next regularly scheduled Board meeting to Tuesday, April 19, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. at the Elementary. The Board also looked ahead and will at this time plan to have regular Board meetings on the following dates: May 2, 2022; May 16, 2022; June 6, 2022; June 21, 2022; and July 11, 2022.  

Motion by Wiese, second by Tyynismaa to adjourn the meeting at 5:53 p.m.  All Ayes.

________________________________            _________________________________

Mandy Lekin, Board President                             Randy Denham, Board Secretary    

 

REGULAR SESSION

OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE

SOUTH TAMA COUNTY COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

The Board of Directors of the Community School District of South Tama County met on April 19, 2022 for a Regular Session at the Elementary School, Tama, Iowa at 5:00 p.m. with members of the community attending electronically through Google Hangouts.

On call of the roll the following were present:  Mandy Lekin, Clint Werner, and Elizabeth Dolezal. Absent: Penny Tyynismaa and Beth Wiese. Quorum Present. Also present were: Superintendent Dr. Jared Smith, Board Secretary Randy Denham, Curriculum Director Samantha Peska, High School Principal Mark Groteluschen, John Cain, Tim Verheyen and Nathan Compton from ISG Architects, and several members of the community.

Motion by Dolezal, second by Werner to approve the agenda. All Ayes. The motion carried.

Motion by Werner, second by Dolezal to approve the following consent agenda items: Minutes from the April 4, 2022 meeting; Bills for payment and Financial Statements as presented; 2022-2023 agreement with Tanager place for providing therapist services; and an agreement with MTI Production for license rights to musical production of Freaky Friday. All Ayes. The motion carried.

Vice President Tyynismaa joined the meeting through Google Hangouts at 5:01 p.m.

Public Comments – None

Motion by Dolezal, second by Werner to approve the following personnel requests.  All Ayes. The motion carried.

Resignations: Shane Manful – Technical Director for the Play and Musical; Ellen Moran – High School Special Education Teacher

New Hires: Andrea Rutledge – Head 8^th Grade Girls Basketball Coach; Jerrod Bridgewater – High School Math Teacher; Seth Koch – Head 8^th Grade Football Coach; Emma Jones – 1^st Grade Teacher; Emeri Krueger – 1^st Grade Teacher; Steve Chyma – High School Assistant Softball Coach

Transfers: Joe Miller – From High School Health Teacher to 7-12 Special Education Teacher Partnership Center/TICU; Alison Vavra – From High School At Risk Liaison to High School At Risk Counselor

Officials – Terence Moriarty – Middle School Girls Soccer; Sawyer Loger – Middle School Girls Soccer; David Lee – High School Boys Track & Field

Motion by Dolezal, second by Werner to approve the Support Staff, Administrative, and Other Salaried Positions wage and benefit increases for the 2022-2023 school year as presented. All Ayes. The motion carried.

Motion by Dolezal, second by Werner to approve the 2020-2021 financial statement audit as presented. All Ayes. The motion carried.

Motion by Werner, second by Dolezal to approve the first reading of the following Board Policies: 707.5 Internal Controls and 710.1 School Nutrition Program. All Ayes. The motion carried.

Motion by Dolezal, second by Werner to approve the second and final reading of the following Board Policies: 703.1 Budget Planning and 707.2 Treasurer’s Annual Report. All Ayes. The motion carried.

Curriculum Director Samantha Peska provided an update to the Board on the realignment of TICU positions for the 2022-2023 school year.

The Board discussed the open High School Assistant Principal/Activities Director Position and different options for the position moving forward. The Board determined that more information requested additional data related to the position from Administration. The Board stated that they would hold a Special Meeting on Wednesday, April 27 at 5:00 to discuss the matter further.  

Dr. Smith reviewed Board Policy 401.06 Employee Resignation with the Board and discussed how long to give certified staff to turn in resignations.

President Lekin and Dr. Smith recapped the Middle School project from earlier in the day with ISG Architects. Tim Veheyen and Nathan Compton from ISG architects shared a timeline for the project with the Board and updated the Board on the current planning and programming phase for the project. Mr. Verheyen and Mr. Compton also provided updates on the work that they have done thus far with the City of Toledo with getting survey information on the Juvenile Home property. The Board discussed utilizing a Construction Manager or General Contractor approach to the project. The Board briefly reviewed potential new legislation that would allow Districts to utilize a Construction Manager At Risk approach for construction projects. The Board requested Administration to gather more information to bring back to a future Board meeting so that further discussions on which approach for the Middle School Project should be utilized.  

Motion by Dolezal, second by Werner to adjourn the meeting at 6:37 p.m.  All Ayes.

 

________________________________            _________________________________

Mandy Lekin, Board President                             Randy Denham, Board Secretary    

SPECIAL SESSION

OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE

SOUTH TAMA COUNTY COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

The Board of Directors of the Community School District of South Tama County met on April 27, 2022 for a Special Session at the Elementary School, Tama, Iowa at 5:00 p.m. with members of the community attending electronically through Google Hangouts.

On call of the roll the following were present:  Mandy Lekin, Penny Tyynismaa, Clint Werner, Elizabeth Dolezal, and Beth Wiese. Absent: None. Quorum Present. Also present were: Superintendent Dr. Jared Smith, Board Secretary Randy Denham, John Cain, and several staff and community members.

Motion by Dolezal, second by Tyynismaa to approve the agenda. All Ayes. The motion carried.

President Lekin opened the meeting asking if there was anyone in attendance that wished to provide feedback on the open Assistant High School Principal/Activities Director position.

George Kuhter addressed the Board stating that he feels the Assistant High School Principal and Activities Director should be split into two separate full-time positions.  

Deanna Zmolek read a letter to the Board that was signed by several high school staff members supporting the split of the Assistant High School Principal and Activities Director into two separate positions.

Middle School Principal addressed the Board with his support of splitting the Assistant High School Principal and Activities Director into two separate positions. Mr. Adams stated that he would like to see Scott Bolen maintain the current Middle School Activities Director duties that he currently has.

Middle School Assistant Principal/Activities Director Scott Bolen addressed the Board and echoed his support of what the others have said. Mr. Bolen shared his support of splitting the Assistant High School Principal and Activities Director into two separate positions. Mr. Bolen stated that he is very passionate about what he does at the Middle School and would like to see continued support from the new Activities Director.

Chelsea Ahrens addressed the Board and echoed her support of what others have said. Ms. Ahrens stated she has been the Assistant Activities Director the last two years and commended the individuals who have done the position over the years as she knows how difficult the position can be. Ms. Ahrens thanked the Board for their attention to this matter and for their willingness to listen to everyone’s feedback. Ms. Ahrens stated that she would like to see Mr. Bolen continue to be included in Middle School Activities.

Incoming Superintendent John Cain thanked everyone for sharing their passion and insight on this topic. Mr. Cain stated that during his conversations thus far with staff he thinks there is a clear need for an Assistant Principal at the High School and that the need for an Activities Director is as equally important. Mr. Cain expressed his support in looking for a full time Assistant Principal and a full time Activities Director.  

Dr. Smith reviewed with the Board that when the Assistant High School Principal/Activities Director was last filled that the District stated they would give it two years and then reevaluate to see where the needs were at and if there were changes that needed to be made. Dr. Smith stated that at this point he feels it would be a good move to split the High School Assistant Principal and Activities Director into two separate positions due to the addition of several activities and the needs of students coming out of COVID.

The Board discussed several options with how to move forward with and structure the positions. The Board discussed what duties would look like with splitting the Assistant Principal and Activities Director into two sperate positions and if the District could afford it. Mr. Denham confirmed that splitting Assistant Principal and Activities Director into two separate positions could fit into the budget. The Board discussed making a decision that would be the most beneficial to students.

Mr. Cain shared with the Board that if the Activities Director were to be split into a separate full-time position that it would have a K-12 focus and the position would work with local community youth programs to provide supports and opportunities for those students. The Board stated that the Assistant Activities Director duties would be absorbed into the full time Activities Director position if they were to move forward with splitting the positions.

Motion by Wiese, second by Dolezal to split the Assistant High School Principal and Activities Director into two separate full-time positions. All Ayes. The motion carried.

Motion by Wiese, second by Tyynismaa to adjourn the meeting at 5:50 p.m.  All Ayes.

 

________________________________            _________________________________

Mandy Lekin, Board President                             Randy Denham, Board Secretary    

REGULAR SESSION

OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE

SOUTH TAMA COUNTY COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

The Board of Directors of the Community School District of South Tama County met on May 2, 2022 for a Regular Session at the Elementary School, Tama, Iowa at 5:00 p.m. with members of the community attending electronically through Google Hangouts.

On call of the roll the following were present:  Mandy Lekin, Penny Tyynismaa, Clint Werner, Elizabeth Dolezal, and Beth Wiese. Absent: None. Quorum Present. Also present were: Superintendent Dr. Jared Smith, Board Secretary Randy Denham, Curriculum Director Samantha Peska, Buildings and Grounds Director Steve McAdoo, John Cain, Tim Verheyen and Nathan Compton from ISG Architects, and several members of the community.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Wiese to approve the agenda. All Ayes. The motion carried.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Wiese to approve the following consent agenda items: Minutes from the April 19, 2022 regular meeting and April 27, 2022 special meeting; Bills for payment as presented; and an early graduation request for Oscelor Tyon. All Ayes. The motion carried.

Public Comments – Dixie Forcht thanked the Board for their service to the District.

Craig Knock expressed his support of utilizing a General Contractor delivery method for the upcoming Middle School project as felt it allow the District to better utilize local contractors.

Motion by Dolezal, second by Wiese to approve the following personnel requests.  All Ayes. The motion carried.

Resignations: Brittany Hammes – Preschool Teacher; Betty Garcia Bonilla – Elementary ELL Teacher

New Hires: Javier Brockschink – High School Science Teacher

Transfers: Jerrod Bridgewater – From Head 7^th Grade Boys Basketball Coach to Head 8^th Grade Boys Basketball Coach; Todd Dale – From Alternative High School Teacher at the Partnership Center to High School Health Teacher

Officials – Daniel Tuuri – Middle School Girls Soccer

Carrie Woerdman from Kading Homes presented to the Board about potential interest in purchasing 8-12 acres just to the west of the Elementary building to potentially put in 100-120 rental housing units.

Director of Curriculum Samantha Peska presented a proposed plan for new Elementary Literacy Curriculum. Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to approve adoption of the Elementary Literacy Curriculum as presented. All Ayes. The motion carried.

The Board reviewed and discussed the following delivery method option for the Middle School Project: Design-Bid-Build; Construction Manager-Agency; and Construction Manager – At Risk. Tim Verheyen from ISG Archtects explained the advantages and disadvantages of each delivery option. Motion by Werner, second by Wiese to approve the Design-Bid-Build utilizing a General Contract as the delivery method for the Middle School Project. Ayes: Tyynismaa, Werner, Wiese. Nays: Dolezal. President Lekin abstained. The motion carried.  

Motion by Dolezal, second by Tyynismaa to set a public hearing for the 2021-2022 Certified Budget Amendment for May 16, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. at the Elementary. All Ayes. The motion carried.

Director of Finance Randy Denham presented job descriptions and a proposed realignment of duties within the Business Office. Motion by Wiese, second by Werner to approve the Business Office job descriptions and realignment of duties as presented. All Ayes. The motion carried.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to approve the first reading of the following Board Policies: 711.3 Student Transportation; 711.4 Summer School Program Transportation Services; and 711.5 Transportation of Non-Resident and Non-Public School Students. All Ayes. The motion carried.

Motion by Wiese, second by Tyynismaa to approve the second and final reading of the following Board Policies: 707.05 Internal Controls and 710.1 School Nutrition Program. All Ayes. The motion carried.

Mr. Denham informed the Board that Dr. Smith and himself would be meeting with Travis Squires from Piper Sandler on Friday, May 6^th to discuss next steps of bond financing for the Middle School Project and invited Board members to attend if able. Dr. Smith updated the Board that ISG would be meeting with Middle School Staff on Thursday, May 13^th to discuss next steps of design for the project. President Lekin and Board member Dolezal expressed that they would have liked more time to digest the information received on the delivery method for the middle school project but believe the District is going to deliver a great project.  

Dr. Smith thanked the Board for their service in observance of School Board Recognition Month. Dr. Smith presented each of the Board members with a certificate and a plant.  

The Board took a ten-minute break prior to entering closed session.

Board member Wiese left the meeting at 6:55 p.m. 

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Werner to go into closed session at 6:58 p.m. pursuant to Iowa Code 21.5(1)(j) of the open meeting law to discuss the purchase or sale of particular real estate where premature disclosure could be reasonably expected to increase the price the school district would have to pay or lower the price the board would receive for that property. Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to come out of closed session at 7:24 p.m.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to adjourn the meeting at 7:25 p.m.  All Ayes.

 

________________________________            _________________________________

Mandy Lekin, Board President                             Randy Denham, Board Secretary    

 

PUBLIC HEARING AND REGULAR SESSION

OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE

COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT OF SOUTH TAMA COUNTY

The Board of Directors of the Community School District of South Tama County met on May 16, 2022 for a Public Hearing on the 2021-2022 Certified Budget Amendment at the Elementary School, Tama, Iowa at 5:00 p.m. with members of the community attending electronically through Google Hangouts.

On call of the roll the following were present:  Mandy Lekin, Penny Tyynismaa, Clint Werner, and Elizabeth Dolezal. Board Member Beth Wiese was present through Google Meet. Absent: None. Quorum Present. Also present were: Superintendent Dr. Jared Smith, Board Secretary Randy Denham, and several members of the community.

Motion by Tyynismaa second by Dolezal to approve the agenda.  All Ayes.

Public Hearing – President Lekin opened the Public Hearing for the 2021-2022 Certified Budget Amendment at 5:00 p.m. Director of Finance Randy Denham reviewed the budget amendment for $850,000. Mr. Denham explained the amendment was due to ESSER expenditures and the timing of summer projects. Mr. Denham stated the budget amendment would have zero impact on property taxes. President Lekin asked for public comments. Hearing none, President Lekin asked for a motion to close the Public Hearing.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to close the Public Hearing at 5:01 p.m.  All Ayes. The motion carried.

The Regular Session was called to order at 5:01 p.m.

On call of the roll the following were present:  Mandy Lekin, Penny Tyynismaa, Clint Werner, and Elizabeth Dolezal. Board Member Beth Wiese was present through Google Hangout.  Members Absent: None.  Quorum Present.  Also present were: Superintendent Dr. Jared Smith, Board Secretary Randy Denham, Director of Curriculum Samantha Peska, Buildings & Grounds Director Steve McAdoo, Travis Squires from Piper Sandler, John Cain, and several members of the community.

Dr. Smith requested to add four resignations to the Personnel Action Item and a late early graduation request to the Agenda. Motion by Dolezal, second by Tyynismaa to approve the agenda with the changes presented.  All Ayes. The motion carried.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Werner to approve the consent agenda approving the minutes from the May 2, 2022 regular session; bills for payment and financial statements as presented; early graduation requests for Terri Popelka and Mercedes Navarro; 2022-2023 agreement with the AEA to provide work experience for students; and a contract with Iowa Valley Community College for Summer College Credit Program.  All Ayes. The motion carried.

Public Comments – None

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to approve the following personnel requests.  Ayes: Lekin, Tyynismaa, Dolezal, Wiese Nays: Werner. The motion carried.

Resignations: Kodi Hillman – Middle School Assistant Volleyball Coach; Emily Chyma – High School Student Council Advisor; Jessica Poush – Superintendent’s Secretary; Katie Murphy – High School English Teacher; Anna Scott – District Wide Sub Teacher; Elizabeth Koester – Elementary Teacher; Noah Schmelzer – High School Social Studies Teacher and High School Girls Soccer Coach, Megan Brown – 5^th Grade Teacher; Kylee Hoskins – Behavior Interventionist.

Contracts: Glory Meyer – High School English Teacher; Emily Chyma – High School Assistant Volleyball Coach; Seth Koch – Co-Head 9^th Grade Baseball Coach; Jerrod Bridgewater – Co-Head 9^th Grade Baseball Coach; Cristina Helmer – K-6 TICU Teacher; Jay Hoskey – Assistant 8^th Grade Football Coach; Andrea Rutledge – Middle School Assistant Softball Coach; Clayton Killian – Elementary/High School Custodian.

Transfers: Kelle Johanssen – From Middle School Special Ed Teacher to High School Special Ed Teacher; Brittani West – From part time Middle School Special Ed Para to full time Middle School Special Ed Para.

Officials: David Lee – High School Boys Track & Field; Tom Kemper – High School 9^th/10^th Girls Basketball; Wayne Ritscher – High School 9^th/10^th Girls Basketball; Eugene Ubben – High School 9^th/10^th Boys Basketball; Seth Koch – High School 9^th/10^th Boys Basketball.

List of 2022-2023 Instructional Coach Facilitator, Instructional Coach, Lead Teacher, and Mentor Teacher positions as presented.

Director of Finance Randy Denham and Travis Squires reviewed multiple options for financing of the Middle School Project. The options looked at selling bank qualified bonds, locking in interest rates, and when to sell bonds. Mr. Squires reviewed the pros and cons of each of the options presented. Motion by Dolezal, second by Wiese to move forward with selling a portion of the bonds now to lock in interest rates and selling the remaining debt later on in the year to take advantage of Bank Qualified bond issuances for the financing of the Middle School project. All Ayes. The motion carried.

The Board reviewed three quotes for the purchase of a new volleyball net system. The quotes were from Sports Imports for $12,434.50, BSN Sports for $8,089.45; and Volleyball USA for $15,078.20. Mr. Denham informed the Board that the Booster Club would be paying for $6,400 of the costs with the remainder being paid for by the District. Mr. Denham informed the Board that Activities Director, Anthony Jahr recommended moving forward with the quote from Sports Imports due to the higher quality of the system they provided. Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Werner to accept the quote from Sports Imports for $12,434.50 for a new volleyball net system. All Ayes. The motion carried.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to approve the 2022-2023 bread bid from Pan-O-Gold as presented. All Ayes. The motion carried.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Werner to approve 2021-2022 Certified Budget Amendment as presented. All Ayes. The motion carried.

Mr. Denham explained that the District recently paid off the remainder of the Elementary GO Bond debt and that part of this final payoff required a transfer of $405,000 from SAVE funds to the Debt Service Fund. Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to approve the transfer of $405,000 from SAVE funds to the Debt Service Fund for the payoff of the Elementary GO Bond debt. All Ayes. The motion passed.

Buildings and Grounds Director Steve McAdoo presented two quotes to seal the warehouse roof under the high school bleachers. The first quote was from A1 Coatings for $32,550 and the second quote was from Stanley Roofing for $41,773. Mr. McAdoo recommended the quote from A1 Coatings. Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to approve the quote from A1 Coatings for $32,550 to seal the warehouse roof under the high school bleachers. All Ayes. The motion carried.

Mr. McAdoo presented two quotes to install an overhead door in the high school auto shop. The two quotes were from Modern Builders for $16,750 and Advance Builders for $18,222. Mr. McAdoo recommended the quote from Modern Builders. Motion by Dolezal, second by Werner to approve the quote from Modern Builders for $16,750 to install an overhead door in the high school auto shop. All Ayes. The motion carried.

Mr. McAdoo presented two quotes to replace the high school gym doors. The two quotes were from Doors Inc. for $50,587 and from Heartland for $79,357.41. Mr. McAdoo recommended the quote from Doors Inc. Motion by Dolezal, second by Tyynismaa to approve the quote from Doors Inc. for $50,587 for the replacement of the high school gym doors. All Ayes. The motion carried.

Mr. McAdoo presented two quotes to replace the softball bleachers. The two quotes were from TownsEnd for $26,825 and Heartland Seating for $30,480. Mr. McAdoo recommended the quote from Towns End for $26,825. Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to approve the quote from Towns End for $26,825 for the replacement of the softball bleachers. All Ayes. The motion carried.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to approve the addition of the Upward Bound Program for the 2022-2023 school year as presented. All Ayes. The motion carried.

Director of Curriculum Samantha Peska, presented a recommendation for the adoption of Middle School Literacy Curriculum to purchased with ESSER funds. Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Werner to approve the adoption of the Middle School Literacy Curriculum as presented. All Ayes. The motion carried.

Mrs. Peska presented a recommendation for the adoption of High School Novel Curriculum for the 2022-2023 school year. Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to approve the adoption of the High School Novel Curriculum as presented. All Ayes. The motion carried.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to approve the first reading of the following Board Policies: 804.1 Facilities Inspections and 804.2 District Emergency Ops Plan. All Ayes. The motion carried.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to approve the second and final reading of the following Board Policies: 711.3 Student Transportation for Extra-Curricular Activities; 711.4 Summer School Program Transportation Services; and 711.5 Transportation of Non-Resident and Non-Public School Students.

Dr. Smith updated the Board on the next Middle School Project meeting with the ISG, the City of Toledo, and the State of Iowa would be taking place on May 17^th to discuss next steps on the project. Board member Dolezal gave an update on the meeting that ISG had with Middle School Staff on May 13^th to discuss design of the project.

The Board took a break at 6:17 p.m. prior to entering closed session.

Board member Wiese left the meeting at 6:17 p.m. 

Motion by Dolezal, second by Tyynismaa to go into closed session at 6:29 p.m. pursuant to Iowa Code 21.5(1)(j) of the open meeting law to discuss the purchase or sale of particular real estate where premature disclosure could be reasonably expected to increase the price the school district would have to pay or lower the price the board would receive for that property. Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to come out of closed session at 7:08 p.m.

Motion by Dolezal, second by Werner to adjourn the meeting at 7:08 p.m.  All Ayes.

________________________________            _________________________________

Mandy Lekin, Board President                             Randy Denham, Board Secretary    

 

 

REGULAR SESSION

OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE

SOUTH TAMA COUNTY COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

The Board of Directors of the Community School District of South Tama County met on June 6, 2022 for a Regular Session at the Elementary School, Tama, Iowa at 5:00 p.m. with members of the community attending electronically through Google Hangouts.

On call of the roll the following were present:  Mandy Lekin, Elizabeth Dolezal, and Beth Wiese. Vice President Tyynismaa was present through Google Hangouts. Absent: Clint Werner. Quorum Present. Also present were: Superintendent Dr. Jared Smith, Board Secretary Randy Denham, Principals Brad Schweppe, Kris Collins, Ben Adams, and Mark Groteluschen, Buildings and Grounds Director Steve McAdoo, John Cain, Dixie Forcht, and several members of the community.

Motion by Dolezal, second by Wiese to approve the agenda. All Ayes. The motion carried.

Motion by Wiese, second by Dolezal to approve the following consent agenda items: Minutes from the May 16 public hearing and regular session; bills for payment as presented; agreement with Gallup Inc for principal assessments; agreement with Iowa College Student Aid Commission for 2022-2023 Gear Up program; agreement with Imagine Learning for three year Edgenuity Courseware license; rental agreement with Meskwaki Bingo, Casino, & Hotel for August 17, 2022 staff welcome back professional development day; agreement with Windstream to update phone service at the High School; agreement with Marco for updates to the phone system at the High School; agreement with Johnson Controls for updates to fire panels at the High School. All Ayes. The motion carried.

Public Comments – None

The building principals gave a data assessment presentation to the Board recapping ISASP, MAP, and FAST scores, referral data, and participation data.

Motion by Wiese, second by Dolezal to approve the following personnel requests.  All Ayes. The motion carried.

Resignations: Devin Hoskey – Middle School At Risk Para; Katie Murphy – Individual Speech Coach & FCA Sponsor; Laura Taylor – Middle School Para; Sarah Weiermann – Middle School Soccer Coach

New Hires: Amy Karg – High School Assistant Principal; Chelsea Ahrens – Activities Director; Brianna Derrick – Elementary ELL Teacher; Rebecca Talk – Preschool Teacher; Ellen Moran – High School Technical Director; Kathryn Hulin – Assistant Business Manager; Dave Cantonwine – Part Time Middle School Special Ed Para; James Hala – Summer Custodial Help; Sarah Novotny – Summer Custodial Help; Elizabeth Placencia – Summer Custodial Help; Emily Chyma – High School Social Studies Lead Teacher

Transfers: Andrea Rutledge – from District wide sub teacher to High School English Teacher; Lesley Youngbear – from Payroll & Benefits Specialist to Accounting Generalist.

Officials – James Hall – Middle School Baseball and Softball; Ryne Kesl – Middle School Baseball; Jacob Collison – Middle School Baseball; Glenn Taylor – Middle School Softball; Tiffany Thiessen – Middle School Softball; Ashlynn Ellenbecker – Middle School Softiball

List of 2022-2023 Lead Teacher positions as presented.

Director of Finance Randy Denham and Matt Zmolek from Assured Partners presented the 2022-2023 property/casualty and workman’s comp insurance renewals to the Board. Motion by Dolezal, second by Wiese to accept the 2022-2023 property/casualty and workman’s comp insurance renewals as presented. All Ayes. The motion carried.

Mr. Denham and Buildings & Grounds Director Steve McAdoo reviewed the final acceptance of the High School tennis court project with the Board. Motion by Wiese, second by Dolezal to accept the final pay application on the High School tennis court project. All Ayes. The motion carried.

Mr. Denham and Dixie Forcht presented a proposal to the Board to make upgrades to the Little Theatre at the High School. Phase I of the proposal included updates to the lighting, HVAC system, and flooring at total estimated cost of $75,296. Motion by Wiese, second by Dolezal to approve Phase I of the Little Theatre upgrades as presented. All Ayes. The motion carried.

Motion by Dolezal, second by Wiese to accept sealed bids for the empty lot on the corner of 9^th and Harmon St in Tama at a minimum of $5,000 with sealed bids being due to the Board Secretary by July 7th. All Ayes. The motion carried.

Mr. Groteluschen and Mrs. Forcht presented the Trojan Seal of Academic Excellence Criteria to the Board stating that the Seal will provide and encourage learning opportunities for all students to become successful, life-long learners. Motion by Wiese, second by Dolezal to approve the Trojan Seal of Academic Excellence Program for the High School as presented. All Ayes. The motion carried.

Motion by Dolezal, second by Wiese to approve the first reading of the following Board Policies: 100 Legal Status of the School District; 101 Educational Philosophy of the District. All Ayes. The motion carried.

Motion by Wiese, second by Dolezal to approve the second and final reading of the following Board Policies: 804.1 Facilities Inspections; 804.2 District Emergency Ops Plan. All Ayes. The motion carried.

Buildings and Grounds Director Steve McAdoo provided an update to the Board on progress with the Middle School Project. Mr. McAdoo stated that he has been working with the District Architect at the Iowa Juvenile Home (IJH) site. Mr. McAdoo stated that ceiling tiles have been removed in the newer section of the IJH site and that they are waiting until the asbestos crews are done before removing the ceiling tiles in the old section of the IJH site. Mr. McAdoo stated that he is also working with the City of Toledo and that they are hoping to get the asbestos abatement done sometime this summer. 

Motion by Dolezal, second by Wiese to adjourn the meeting at 6:32 p.m.  All Ayes.

 

________________________________            _________________________________

Mandy Lekin, Board President                             Randy Denham, Board Secretary    

REGULAR SESSION

OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE

SOUTH TAMA COUNTY COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

The Board of Directors of the Community School District of South Tama County met on June 21, 2022 for a Regular Session at the Elementary School, Tama, Iowa at 5:00 p.m. with members of the community attending electronically through Google Hangouts.

On call of the roll the following were present:  Mandy Lekin, Penny Tyynismaa, and Elizabeth Dolezal. Absent: Clint Werner, Beth Wiese. Quorum Present. Also present were: Superintendent Dr. Jared Smith, Board Secretary Randy Denham, Director of Curriculum Samantha Peska, John Cain, and several members of the community.

Dr. Smith stated that High School Principal Mark Groteluschen had submitted his resignation over the weekend and asked to have it added to the Personnel portion of the agenda. Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to approve the agenda with the addition to Personnel presented. All Ayes. The motion carried.

Motion by Dolezal, second by Tyynismaa to approve the following consent agenda items: Minutes from the June 6, 2022 regular session; bills for payment and monthly financial statements as presented; agreement with Viking Sprinkler for annual fire safety inspections; agreement with Buena Vista University for field experience, student teaching, practicum, and internships. All Ayes. The motion carried.

Public Comments – None

Board member Wiese arrived at 5:05 p.m.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Wiese to approve the following personnel requests.  All Ayes. The motion carried.

Resignations: Mark Groteluschen – High School Principal (Resignation approved once suitable replacement has been found)

New Hires: Haley Mengler – 2^nd Grade Teacher; Riley Barrett – District Wide Sub Teacher (MS Focus); Kodi Hillman – 7^th Grade Girls Basketball Coach; Leah Founa – Assistant MS Volleyball Coach; Steve Chyma – Head MS Girls Wrestling Coach; Lon Wilkerson – Assistant MS Boys Basketball Coach; Cassie Sokol – District Wide Sub Teacher (Elem Focus); Callie Hulst – MS Special Ed and PE Para; Amber Robson – Superintendent Administrative Assistant

Transfers: Brintley Elsbury – From Elementary Para to Behavior Interventionist

Dr. Smith, Director of Curriculum Samantha Peska, and the Building Principals (attending virtually through Google Hangouts) presented the following 2022-2023 handbooks to the Board: Elementary preschool, student, and staff handbooks; Middle School student and staff handbooks; High School student, activities, and staff handbooks; TICU/Trojan Academy handbook, and the TLC handbook. Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to accept the 2022-2023 handbooks as presented. All Ayes. The motion carried.

The Board discussed that per the District Certified Staff Handbook new staff can be given up to seven years of experience on the salary schedule upon hire. The Board discussed the difficulty of filling positions and discussed possibly removing the seven-year cap. The Board asked Administration to gather data on how current staff would be impacted if the cap were to be removed. Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Wiese to table the action on the years of service cap outlined in the Certified Staff Handbook until more information can be gathered by Administration. All Ayes. The motion carried.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Wiese to remove current Superintendent, Dr. Jared Smith from all District bank accounts at Lincoln Savings Bank and State Bank of Toledo and to add incoming Superintendent John Cain to District bank accounts at Lincoln Savings Bank and State Bank of Toledo effective July 1, 2022. All Ayes. The motion carried.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to approve the first reading of the following Board Policies: 507.09 Wellness; and 507.09R1 Wellness Regulation. All Ayes. The motion carried.

Motion by Dolezal, second by Wiese to approve the second and final reading of the following Board Policies: 100 Legal Status of the School District; and 101 Educational Philosophy of the District. All Ayes. The motion carried.

Dr. Smith shared that he recently received a call from Adam Steen at the State regarding a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) agreement for the transfer of the Iowa Juvenile Home property to the District. Dr. Smith stated that the State is still working on getting the MOU put together as they are having to work with the Attorney General’s Office to complete. Dr. Smith will be reaching out to Mr. Steen to get another update in the near future.

The Board discussed upcoming Board Meeting dates. The Board set the following dates for summer Board meetings: July 11, 2022 – regular session; August 1 – regular session, with work session on the District’s Insurance Plans to follow; August 9, 2022 – work session Iowa Association of School Boards (IASB) for a better boardsmanship workshop; August 15, 2022 – regular session; September 6, 2022 – regular session; September 19, 2022 – regular session. The Board stated that all future meetings would move back to the Partnership Center. President Lekin stated that she would like to have an additional work session prior to the August 9 work session with IASB to have some discussions to prepare for that meeting. No date was set for that work session.

John Cain provided an update to the Board regarding the State Apprenticeship program for educators. Mr. Cain stated that the District will be joining the Rural School Advocates of Iowa (RSAI) so that the District could be part of the cohort to allow paraeducators the opportunity to become teachers. Mr. Cain and the Principals will be communicating with paraeducators in the near future to provide more information as there will be a limited number of slots available. Mr. Cain stated that there will be opportunities for students as well and that he will be working with Administrators and staff to look into opportunities for students

Motion by Dolezal, second by Wiese to adjourn the meeting at 6:09 p.m.  All Ayes.

 

________________________________            _________________________________

Mandy Lekin, Board President                             Randy Denham, Board Secretary