2021.08.16 Regular 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 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