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 July 11, 2022 for a Regular Session at the Partnership Center, 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, Beth Wiese. Absent: Clint Werner. Quorum Present. Also present were: Superintendent John Cain, Board Secretary Randy Denham, Buildings and Grounds Director Steve McAdoo, Activities Director Chelsea Ahrens, Nathan Compton from ISG Architects, and members of the community.

Mr. Denham stated that an agreement with NWEA for MAP assessments inadvertently did not get included in the board packet or agenda. Mr. Denham stated that the agreement is a renewal for utilizing MAP assessments and asked for it to be added to the agenda so that MAP assessments could be ready for the upcoming school year. Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Wiese to approve the agenda with the addition of the NWEA agreement to the consent agenda as presented. All Ayes. The motion carried. 

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Wiese to approve the following consent agenda items: Minutes from the June 21, 2022 regular session; bills for payment as presented; and an agreement with NWEA for MAP testing. All Ayes. The motion carried. 

Public Comments – None

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

Resignations: Cristina Helmer – K-6 TICU Teacher; Mahnaz Shojaie – High School ELL Teacher (Resignation approved once suitable replacement has been found)

New Hires: Robert Boley – High School Principal; Jenna Plum – Middle School Special Ed Para

Transfers: Steve Bearden – From Elementary ELL Teacher to 5th Grade Teacher

Volunteers: Darcy Lamb – Fine Arts: Musical, Play, Speech

Mr. Denham and Mr. McAdoo presented two quotes for the replacement of the Football Field Sound System. The two quotes were from Iowa Audio for $14,909.10 and Daktronics for $50,207. Mr. McAdoo recommended the quote from Iowa Audio for $14,909.10. Mr. Denham stated that this project was currently in the PPEL/SAVE budget. Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to approve the quote from Iowa Audio for $14,909.10 to replace the Football Field Sound System. All Ayes. The motion carried. 

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Wiese to designate Director of Curriculum, Samantha Peska, as Equity Coordinator for the District. All Ayes. The motion carried. 

Motion by Wiese, second by Tyynismaa to approve the first reading of the following Board Policies: 710.02 Free or Reduced Costs Meal Eligibility; 710.04 Meal Charges; 102 Equal Educational Opportunity; 102-R1 Equal Educational Opportunity-Grievance Procedure; 102-E1 Equal Educational Opportunity -Annual Notice of Nondiscrimination; 102-E2 Equal Educational Opportunity-Continuous Notice of Nondiscrimination; 102-E3 Equal Educational Opportunity-Notice of Section 504 Student and Parental Rights; 102-E4 Equal Educational Opportunity-Discrimination Complain Form; 102-E5 Equal Educational Opportunity-Witness Disclosure Form; 102-E6 Equal Educational Opportunity-Disposition of Complaint Form. All Ayes. The motion carried. 

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

President Lekin, Board member Dolezal, Mr. Cain, and Nathan Compton from ISG Architects provided updates and recaps from a Middle School Project meeting earlier in the day with represenatives from the State, City of Toledo, and Tama County Economic Development. At this time the expected date for the Juvenile Home Property to transfer from the State to the City of Toledo is September 15th. Demolition work will begin later in the fall once the asbestos abatement process has been completed. ISG continues to meet with District leadership to work on the designs for the project. 

Mr. Cain and Mrs. Ahrens provided an update to the Board on Athletic Training Services. Currently, the District does not have Athletic Training Services. Mr. Cain and Mrs. Ahrens are continuing to look at different options and are still in the process of gathering data. A plan for Athletic Training Services will be brought to the Board at an upcoming meeting for formal approval. 

Mr. Cain and Mrs. Ahrens presented the 2021-2022 South Tama Activities Annual Report to the Board. Mr. Cain and Mrs. Ahrens stated that they will be using this report as a baseline of where the Activities programs currently stand and will develop a plan for where they want the Activities programs to be. 

Mr. Cain and Mrs. Ahrens provided an update on the Sports and Activities Photographer for the District. The Board asked District Administration to get more information and to reach out other vendors for comparability purposes.  

The Board took a break at 6:00 prior to entering into closed session. 

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to go into closed session at 6:04 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 Wiese to come out of closed session at 6:33 p.m.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to adjourn the meeting at 6:33 p.m.  All Ayes.

Mandy Lekin, Board President                  

Randy Denham, Board Secretary    

 

REGULAR SESSION AND WORK 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 August 1, 2022 for a Regular Session at the Partnership Center, 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 John Cain, Board Secretary Randy Denham, and members of the community.

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

Motion by Wiese, second by Tyynismaa to approve the following consent agenda items: Minutes from the July 11, 2022 regular session; bills for payment and financial statements as presented; a lease renewal agreement with Pitney Bowes for District postage and folding machines; and a rental agreement with the Reing Center for an Admin retreat. All Ayes. The motion carried. 

Public Comments – None. 

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

Resignations: Seth Koch – Varsity Baseball Coach

New Hires: Devin Hoskey – Middle School Writing Teacher

Following Mentor Teachers for 2022-2023: Heather Wanatee, Dawn Henley, Travis McBride, and Melissa Jesina.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to approve the following individuals as Level I Investigators for the 2022-2023 school year: Brad Schweppe, Kris Collins, Leah Founa, Anita Townsley, Ben Adams, Scott Bolen, Crystal Hass, Blake Wedeking, Robert Boley, Amy Karg, Dan Lopez, Dina Keahna, Ali Galvez, Samantha Peska, and John Cain. All Ayes. The motion carried.  

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to approve the first reading of the following Board Policies: 203 Board of Directors’ Conflict of Interest; 402.02 Child Abuse Reporting. All Ayes. The motion carried. 

Motion by Dolezal, second by Wiese to approve the second and final reading of the following Board Policies: 710.02 Free or Reduced Costs Meal Eligibility; 710.04 Meal Charges; 102 Equal Educational Opportunity; 102-R1 Equal Educational Opportunity-Grievance Procedure; 102-E1 Equal Educational Opportunity -Annual Notice of Nondiscrimination; 102-E2 Equal Educational Opportunity-Continuous Notice of Nondiscrimination; 102-E3 Equal Educational Opportunity-Notice of Section 504 Student and Parental Rights; 102-E4 Equal Educational Opportunity-Discrimination Complain Form; 102-E5 Equal Educational Opportunity-Witness Disclosure Form; 102-E6 Equal Educational Opportunity-Disposition of Complaint Form. All Ayes. The motion carried. 

The Board discussed concerns received about the Juvenile Home property not being mowed and that the issue had been resolved. Mr. Cain stated that the District is working to schedule some time in the near future with the architects to tour some different sites to get design ideas for the new Middle School.  

The Board reviewed the Iowa Association of School Board (IASB) Legislative Priorities for the 2022-2023 year. The Board will select their top four priorities at the next regular Board meeting to be submitted to IASB. 

The Board discussed Board Policy 200.01 – Code of Ethics. President Lekin had the Board review the policy and select portions of the policy to be discussed in more detail at the work session on August 9th. 

The Board reviewed the 2022-2023 Board Goals/Strategic Plan. President Lekin and Mr. Cain stated that the plan would be reviewed in more detail at the August 9th work session and that the Strategic Plan would be tied to the Superintendent’s entry plan and would serve as the basis for the Superintendent’s evaluation. Mr. Cain reviewed the organizational chart with the Board and discussion around chain of command was had. 

The Board discussed different options to offer incentives for retaining substitute teachers. The Board asked Administration to gather information on the options to present at a future Board Meeting.  

Mr. Cain gave his Superintendent’s Report to the Board on the following items: Preparing for back to school kickoff later in August; Administrative Team will have a welcome back meeting on August 2nd; District Administrators would be attending the SAI Conference on August 3rd and 4th; Registration will be on August 4th. 

The Board took a break at 6:05 prior to entering into closed session. 

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to go into closed session at 6:09 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 6:32 p.m.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to adjourn the meeting at 6:33 p.m.  All Ayes.

After the Regular Meeting Adjourned the Board entered into a work session at 6:38 pm. 

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

Mark Becker and Nick Brown from Gallagher gave a presentation to the Board reviewing the District’s current health insurance plans. The Board discussed the District’s current insurance benefit plans and provided the Gallagher Team and Administration guiding parameters to move forward with insurance plan design. 

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Wiese to adjourn the work session at 8:08 pm. 

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 August 9, 2022 at the Partnership Center, 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, Beth Wiese. Absent: Penny Tyynismaa, Clint Werner. Quorum Present. Also present were: Superintendent John Cain, Board Secretary Randy Denham, Lou Ann Gvist from Iowa Association of School Boards, and Marilyn Rippy.

President Lekin introduced Lou Ann Gvist from Iowa Association of School Boards (IASB) and provided some background information on the importance of having Board professional development. 

Vice President Tyynismaa arrived at 5:06 p.m.

Lou Ann Gvist from IASB reviewed Board development materials with the Board. The Board and Superintendent reviewed the roles and responsibilities of Board Members and the Superintendent. The Board discussed how the direction of the District is set to meet the goals of the District. 

Ms. Gvist did some exercises with the Board to discuss the potential impacts of when the Board and Superintendent have clarity around their roles and responsibilities. The discussed their roles in addressing questions and concerns from community members. The Board reviewed their roles in improving student learning. 

The Board and Superintendent discussed setting goals and how they will monitor those goals throughout the year to ensure they are being met. 

Mr. Cain reviewed his entry plan with the Board. The Board shared some of their expectations from Mr. Cain to help meet the goals of the entry plan. Mr. Cain and the Board discussed what potential committees could look like in the future. The Board reviewed the current processes around setting meeting agendas and setting out Board Packets. 

Ms. Gvist shared a template for affirming Superintendent Goals with the Board. The Board discussed aligning standards to help guide the Superintendent with meeting those goals. Ms. Gvist recommended that the Board have progress updates with the Superintendent throughout the year. Ms. Gvist reviewed different tools that the Board and Superintendent can use to ensure that goals can be met. 

The work session adjourned at 7:19 p.m.

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 August 15, 2022 for a Regular Session at the Partnership Center, 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 Clint Werner. Absent: Beth Wiese. Quorum Present. Also present were: Superintendent John Cain, Board Secretary Randy Denham, Activities Director Chelsea Ahrens, Buildings & Grounds Director Steve McAdoo, Transportation Director Steve Chyma, and members of the community.

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

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to approve the following consent agenda items: Minutes from the August 1, 2022 regular session and August 9, 2022 work session; bills for payment and financial statements as presented; contract with TFD Photo & Film to provide Activity photos for the 2022-2023 school year; contract with New Century FS for LP Gas for the 2022-2023 year at $1.859 per gallon; MOU with University of Northern Iowa for Teacher/Paraeducator apprenticeship program; and an MOU with Western Governor’s University for Teacher/Paraeducator apprenticeship program. All Ayes. The motion carried. 

Board member Wiese arrived at 5:01 p.m.

Public Comments – None. 

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

Resignations: Mahnaz Shojaie – High School ELL Teacher (Release from Contract); Todd Dale – Middle School Track Coach; Ellen Moran – Special Olympics Sponsor

New Hires: Caitlyn Stochl – Elementary Paraprofessional; Rachel Davis – Individual Speech Coach

Transfers: Allison Brezina – From Sub Bus Driver to Route Bus Driver

Change of Contract: Deb Llewellyn – Elementary Library Paraprofessional change from 5 hours per day to 8 hours per day

Officials: Amy Dolash – Middle School Volleyball; Tiffany Thiessen – Middle School Volleyball

Mr. Cain and Activities Director Chelsea Ahrens presented a plan for the District to provide athletic training services for the 2022-2023 school year. The proposal would include having Jill Kienzle provide before and after school coverage up to 25 hours per month at a pay rate of $22/hour. Home events throughout the year would be covered by a variety of volunteers. Volunteers would be recognized at home events and would receive gate passes for both home and away games for themselves and one additional guest. Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Wiese to approve the 2022-2023 athletic training services proposal as presented. All Ayes. The motion carried.  

Mr. Cain presented bids for the removal of several dead trees at the high school. The first bid was from Schuett Farms for $7,500 and the second bid was from Tender Lawn Care for $8,000. Mr. Cain stated that a third bid had been received from a District employee for $7,400. Mr. McAdoo and Mr. Cain stated that they were not recommending the employee bid due to the employee not having general liability insurance to perform the work needed. Motion by Dolezal, second by Werner to approve the bid from Schuett Farms for the removal of dead trees at the high school for $7,500. All Ayes. The motion carried. 

Mr. Cain presented bids for HVAC work for remodeling at the Administration Office. The first bid was from Scharnweber’s for $11,655 and the second bid was from Thomas Company for $9,966.40. Motion by Dolezal, second by Wiese to accept the bid from Thomas Company for HVAC work at the Administration Office for $9,966.40. All Ayes. The motion carried. 

Mr. Cain presented a purchase agreement with Hoglund Bus Company for a used handicap accessible bus to replace the current bus the District has that needs replaced for $33,500. Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Wiese to approve the purchase of a used handicap accessible bus from Hoglund Bus Company for $33,500. All Ayes. The motion carried. 

Mr. Cain presented the 2022-2023 Certified and Classified Staff Handbooks and reviewed the proposed changes with the Board. Motion by Dolezal, second by Wiese to approve the 2022-2023 Certified and Classified Staff Handbooks with the updates as presented. All Ayes. The motion carried. 

Mr.Cain and Mr. Denham provided historical substitute costs data as well as multiple options for increasing substitute rates of pay. The Board discussed different options and incentives to offer to substitutes. Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Wiese to increase the teacher substitute cost from $130 per day, increase the long-term sub pay to $145 per day after subbing for 10 consecutive days, and to offer 50% reimbursement for sub authorizations to any subs who serve for at least 10 days in the District.  All Ayes. The motion carried. Mr. Cain stated that he would like to look into offering incentives to staff for good attendance at some point in the future. 

Mr. Denham reviewed the guiding parameters for the District’s health insurance plan put together by Gallagher Benefit Consultants after the August 1st work session. Motion by Dolezal, second by Wiese to approve the guiding parameters for the District’s health insurance plan as presented. All Ayes. The motion carried. 

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Wiese to approve the following Iowa Association of School Boards (IASB) Legislative Priorities: Supporting continued progress in Early Literacy; Support additional resources to school districts identify achievement gaps and provide resources to close that gap; Support providing school districts with incentives and flexibility to pay market competitive wages; and Support a school funding policy that provides sufficient and timely funding to meet education goals.  All Ayes. The motion carried. 

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to approve the first reading of the following Board Policies: 501.14 Open Enrollment Transfers – Procedures as a Sending District and 501.15 Open Enrollment Transfers – Procedures as a Receiving District. All Ayes. The motion carried. 

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Wiese to approve the second and final reading of the following Board Policies: 203 Board of Directors’ Conflict of Interest; 402.02 Child Abuse Reporting. All Ayes. The motion carried. 

Mr. Cain presented a drawing to the Board that was presented at a previous Toledo City Council Meeting outlining the proposed housing developments at the Iowa Juvenile Home Property.  Mr. Cain stated that there will be a planning meeting on August 22 with Administration, District Architects, and Middle School Staff to get a high level scope of class size for the new Middle School. There will be a trip to a district in the near future that has had similar work done to give District officials an idea of what similar projects look like. Mr. Cain stated that a meeting will occur in September with District, City, and State officials to provide an update on the project.  

The Board reviewed the Rural School Advocacy of Iowa (RSAI) Legislative Issues Survey. Mr. Cain stated that he will take the IASB Legislative priorities that were approved by the Board and use those for completion of the RSAI survey. . 

The Board discussed different committees that they would like to see set up in the future. The Board asked Mr. Cain to take the committees that were discussed and to prepare a formal document outlining what the committees will look like. Committees will be formally approved at a future Board meeting.  

President Lekin reviewed a letter from Lou Ann Gvist at IASB recapping the work session on August 9th. The Board shared their thoughts on the work session and reviewed a document from the work session on Questions for Progress Reports and Presentations at Board Meetings. The Board discussed the importance of making sure to review the District Strategic Plan each year and to update it as needed. Mr. Cain asked the Board to be thinking about “why” they hired him so that it can be discussed at a future evaluation.  

Mr. Cain gave his Superintendent’s Report to the Board on the following items: The Welcome Back for all staff is Wednesday, August 17 at Meskwaki Convention Center. Board members are encouraged to attend if able; Four paraeducators will be starting the paraeducator apprenticeship program this week; Saturday, August 20th is the Booster Club golf outing; New teachers started with the District earlier in the day; Had an ESSA meeting earlier in the day; Registration was on August 4 and went smoothly; Back to School night is Monday, August 22; Looking into potential sharing opportunities for a School Resource Officer. 

The Board took a break at 6:30 prior to entering into closed session. 

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to go into closed session at 6:33 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 6:43 p.m.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Wiese to adjourn the meeting at 6:44 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 September 7, 2022 for a Regular Session at the Partnership Center, 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, Clint Werner. Absent: Beth Wiese. Quorum Present. Also present were: Superintendent John Cain, Board Secretary Randy Denham, Bridget Diveney, Sandra Tracy, Marilyn Rippy, and members of the community through Google Hangouts.

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

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to approve the following consent agenda items: Minutes from the August 15, 2022 regular session with a correction stating that the sub rate was changed to $130 per day; bills for payment and financial statements as presented; three year contract with Edgenuity for instructional software at Trojan Academy; and early graduation requests for the following students: Darrell Hill Jr. and Gabriel Carillo. The motion carried. 

Public Comments – None. 

Mr. Cain shared a document from the Iowa Department of Education congratulating the District for approval of the Family and Community Services (FCS) program for another five years. High School FCS teachers Bridget Diveney and Sandra Tracy then gave a presentation outlining the current FCS program at the High School.  

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

Resignations: Estrella Yepez – Trojan Academy Para

New Hires: Riley Barrett – Strength & Conditioning Coach; Cortney Slack – Middle School Cook; Bridget Diveney – Fall Musical Costumer; Morgan McFate – Head Varsity Girls Soccer Coach; Emily Chyma – Half Time Student Council Sponsor; Jill Dilly – Mentor for 22-23 school year

Officials: Football: David Nitz, Kory Staff, Tom Kemper, Brian Murphy, Daniel Johnson, Tyler Heeren, Jeremy Weierman; Wrestling: Bob Yilek, Andrew May, Justin Brand, Benjamin Ogle, Brandon Dufoe

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

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to approve the first reading of the following Board Policies: 410.01 Substitute Teachers; 504.5 Student Fundraising; 504.5 R1 Student Fundraising Regulations. All Ayes. The motion carried. 

Motion by Dolezal, second by Tyynismaa to approve the second and final reading of the following Board Policies: 501.14 Open Enrollment Transfers – Procedures as a Sending District and 501.15 Open Enrollment Transfers – Procedures as a Receiving District. All Ayes. The motion carried. 

Motion by Dolezal, second by Tyynismaa to approve the list of overnight trips for the 2022-2023 school year as presented. All Ayes. The motion carried.  

The Board discussed a recent letter received by the City of Toledo stating that bidding for asbestos mitigation and demolition at the Iowa Juvenile Home (IJH) recently went out. On Monday, September 12 there will be a walk through on the property for prospective bidders. Bids will be awarded in late September. The Board discussed the potential uses of the existing geo-thermal system at the IJH site for the new middle school and asked administration to look into this further with the architects. Mr. Cain informed the Board that administration would be meeting with the architects on September 12 to review initial drawings for the new middle school. Mr. Cain stated that the District is still waiting on the State to complete the necessary steps to transfer the property over to the City of Toledo. 

Mr. Cain reviewed the District Strategic plan with the Board. Mr. Cain and the Board discussed having a single vision statement throughout the District. As part of the District Branding plan the vision statement will be visible in all buildings as well as on the website and social media platforms. 

Mr. Cain gave his Superintendent’s Report to the Board on the following items: Safety walk throughs took place at all the buildings on September 6 with the City of Tama, City of Toledo, Tama County, and Meskwaki Police Departments; Met with Middle School Administration and ISG architects to review initial concepts for the new middle school; Informed the Board of the Rural School Advocates Annual Meeting and dinner that will take place on October 25; Shared information on the IASB Annual Convention that will take place November 16-18. 

Mr. Cain presented an initial template outlining different committees the District will be looking to set up in the near future and discussed them with the Board. Mr. Cain asked the Board to consider which committees they would like to be a part of. Committees will be brought back at a future Board meeting for approval. 

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to adjourn the meeting at 6:00 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 September 19, 2022 for a Regular Session at the Partnership Center, 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 Beth Wiese. Absent: Elizabeth Dolezal. Quorum Present. Also present were: Superintendent John Cain, Board Secretary Randy Denham, Principals Robert Boley, Scott Bolen, Brad Schweppe, and Kris Collins, Marilyn Rippy, and members of the community through Google Hangouts.

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

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Wiese to approve the following consent agenda items: Minutes from the September 7, 2022 regular session; bills for payment and financial statements as presented; rental agreement with the Reinig Center for PreACT testing; clinical training agreement with Iowa Valley Community College; and an agreement with Deaf Services Unlimited for sign language interpreting services.  

Public Comments – None. 

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

Resignations: Bailey Chyma – Middle School Assistant Baseball Coach

New Hires: Jerrod Bridgewater – High School Head Baseball Coach; Danny Elsbury – Assistant Girls Wrestling Coach

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Wiese to approve the second and final reading of the following Board Policies: 410.01 Substitute Teachers; 504.5 Student Fundraising; 504.5 R1 Student Fundraising Regulations. All Ayes. The motion carried. 

Board member Dolezal arrived at 5:04 p.m. 

Superintendent Cain stated that ISG Architects recently shared initial schema designs of the new middle school with Administration. Mr. Cain will be setting up a meeting with the Task Force in the near future to share the schema designs with them to get their input. The District is still waiting to hear from the State and the City of Toledo on where they are at with the transfer of the Iowa Juvenile Home property. Mr. Cain and Mr. Denham met with the District financial advisors and bond counsel to discuss bond issuance for the Middle School project. The District will not be able to move forward with bond issuance proceedings until it is known exactly when the property transfer will occur. 

The Building Principals provided the Board with updates on how the first few weeks of school have gone in each of their buildings 

Mr. Cain provided an update on the Committee work that has been done. A survey will be sent out to staff and community in the near future. Mr. Cain stated that they will be looking to get 10-15 people for each committee and will be formally approving committees at a future meeting.  

Mr. Cain gave his Superintendent’s Report to the Board on the following items: School Resource Office conversations are continuing. Mr. Cain will be putting a survey out to the community in the near future; The Athletic Union has recommended not to have Waverly-Shellrock CSD join the WAMAC conference. Mr. Cain will continue to update the Board on this topic as more information becomes available; Mr. Cain is working with the buildings on a new walkthrough process. The process will work to get everyone to the same place and provide consistency throughout the District.  

The Board did an exercise reviewing roles and responsibilities. Conversation occurred around recent events at the high school and what the Board’s role is when situations such as that occur.  

The Board took a short break at 6:01 p.m. prior to entering into closed session. 

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to go into closed session at 6:07 p.m. pursuant to Iowa Code 21.5(1)(c) of the open meeting law to discuss strategy with counsel in matters that are presently in litigation or where litigation is imminent where its disclosure would be likely to prejudice or disadvantage the position of the governmental body in that litigation. Motion by Wiese, second by Dolezal to come out of closed session at 6:54 p.m.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Wiese to adjourn the meeting at 6:55 p.m.  All Ayes.

Following the regular session the Board entered into exempt session pursuant to Iowa Code 21.9 to discuss strategy in matters relating to employment conditions of employees of the governmental body who are not covered by a collective bargaining agreement under Chapter 20. The exempt session ended at 7:34 p.m. 

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 October 3, 2022 for a Regular Session at the Partnership Center, 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 Beth Wiese. Absent: Elizabeth Dolezal. Quorum Present. Also present were: Superintendent John Cain, Board Secretary Randy Denham, Buildings and Grounds Director Steve McAdoo, Middle School Principal Ben Adams, Nathan Compton and Art Baumgartmer from ISG Architects, Matt Zmolek, Paula Graves, and Charlotte Upah from the Middle School Task Force, Marilyn Rippy, and members of the community through Google Hangouts.

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

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Wiese to approve the following consent agenda items: Minutes from the September 19, 2022 regular session; bills for payment and financial statements as presented; and an agreement with Americorps Iowa for the 2022-2023 College Access and Success Americorps Program.  

Public Comments – Dixie Forcht provided comments and feedback on the Board Policies that were on the agenda for first readings to the Board. 

Board member Dolezal arrived at 5:04 p.m.

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

Resignations: Randy Denham – Director of Finance/Board Secretary effective 11/1/22

New Hires: Travis McBride – Head 8th Grade Boys Track Coach; Craig Harrison – HS Social Studies Teacher

Stipend for Kimi Benson for Fall Dance Season

Officials: Girls Basketball – David Nitz, Kory Staff, Tom Kemper, and Eugen Ubben; Boys Wrestling – Patrick Kopsa, Brandone Dufoe, Bryan Foster, and John Bartello.

Motion by Wiese, second by Werner to approve an overnight student trip for the TRIO program as presented. All Ayes. The motion carried. 

Motion by Wiese, second by Tyynismaa to approve the first reading of the following Board Policies: 602.01 Curriculum Development; 602.02 Curriculum Implementation; 602.03 Curriculum Evaluation; 605.01 Instructional Materials Selection; 605.01 R1 Instructional Materials Selection Regulation; 605.02 Instructional Materials Inspection; 605.03 Objection to Instructional Materials; 605.03 R1 Objection to Instructional Materials – Reconsideration of Instructional Materials Regulation; 605.03 E1 Objection to Instructional Materials – Instructions to Reconsideration Committee; 605.03 E2 Objection to Instructional Materials – Reconsideration of Instructional and Library Materials Request Form; 605.03 E4 Objection to Instructional Materials – Request to Prohibit a Student from Checking Out Specific Library Materials.

Mr. Cain shared a document with the Board with a list of individuals who have signed up for Committees. Mr. Cain asked the Board to be looking at which committees they would like to be signed up for. Board members will be formally appointed to Committees at a future meeting. Mr. Cain stated that some of the Committees will start meeting in the near future due to the needs of the District.  

Director of Finance Randy Denham reviewed the 2021-2022 fiscal year end statements with the Board. 

Mr. Cain gave his Superintendent’s Report to the Board on the following items: Continue to look into options for the School Resource Officer; After School Program for Elementary and Middle School is scheduled to start next week; IASB Convention coming up in November; Homecoming week has kicked off; Will work with the Administrative team to come up with incentives for staff who are helping cover classes as well as incentives for attendance; Preliminary certified enrollment numbers currently show little to no change; Will look to interview candidates for the Director of Finance position October 10 and 11; STC Class of 75 alum Jon Lazar will be inducted into the Iowa High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame joining fellow STC Class of 72 alum Mark Fetter. 

Mr. Cain shared an email received from the District’s bond counsel stating outlining that the property for the Iowa Juvenile Home must be transferred completely over to the District before the District is able to move forward with securing bond financing for the project. The property is anticipated to transfer from the State over to the City of Toledo sometime around mid-November. The property will then be transferred over to the District. That process is expected to take 30-60 days to complete. 

ISG Architects shared schematic designs for the Middle School Project with the Board and members of the Middle School Task Force who were present. The Board and the Task Force then discussed the designs that were shared. 

The Board took a short break at 7:10 p.m. prior to entering into closed session. 

Motion by Wiese, second by Werner to go into closed session at 7:18 p.m. pursuant to Iowa Code 21.5(1)(c) of the open meeting law to discuss strategy with counsel in matters that are presently in litigation or where litigation is imminent where its disclosure would be likely to prejudice or disadvantage the position of the governmental body in that litigation. Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Wiese to come out of closed session at 7:34 p.m.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Wiese to approve the settlement of the litigation matter that was discussed during closed session. Roll Call Vote: Lekin – Aye, Tyynismaa – Aye, Werner – Aye, Dolezal – Aye, Wiese – Aye. The motion carried. 

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to adjourn the meeting at 7:35 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 Community School District of South Tama County met on October 17, 2022 for a Regular Session at the Partnership Center, 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 John Cain, Board Secretary Randy Denham, High School Principal Rob Boley, Libby Albright, Dixie Forcht, Marilyn Rippy, Katie Mathern and members of the community through Google Hangouts.

Mr. Cain requested that a College and Career Readiness presentation be added to the agenda. Mr. Cain and Mr. Denham also noted that an overnight trip request and three additional After School Program hires came in after the Board Packet had gone out. Motion by Dolezal, second by Wiese to approve the agenda with the additions as presented. All Ayes. The motion carried. 

Motion by Dolezal, second by Wiese to approve the following consent agenda items: Minutes from the October 3, 2022 regular session; bills for payment and financial statements as presented; and an agreement with My Benefits Channel for an online benefits enrollment system.  

Public Comments – Dixie Forcht provided comments and feedback on the Board Policies that were on the agenda. 

High School Principal Rob Boley and Libby Albright addressed the Board about the current handbook and policies around wearing hats and hoods at the High School. They asked the Board to consider reviewing the current practices and to consider making changes. Mr. Boley stated that they would be bringing additional information and data for the Board to consider at a future meeting. 

Mr. Boley gave a presentation to the Board on the STC College and Career Readiness plan for the 2022-2023 school year.  

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

Resignations: Josh Bly – Assistant High School Soccer Coach

New Hires: Katie Mathern – Director of Finance/Board Secretary effective 11/1/22

After School Program Staff at $30/hour: Mariah Snyder, Michelle Wiegand, Allisyn Wellman, Cami Scovill, Elizabeth Weitzell, Levi Klopping, Sarah Klopping, Ashley Steven, Paula Graves, Sidney Barrett, Haley Wilson, Katie Schuett, Alice Koch, Melody Cole, Madison Cline, Janelle Unkrich, Teresa Hofer, Dawn Henley, Amy Parizek. 

After School Program Bus Drivers at Regular Hourly Rate: Juanita Hill, Stacy Leach, Alison Brezina, Jennifer Benner. 

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Wiese to approve the first reading of the following Board Policies: 401.14 Employee Expression; 408.1 Licensed Employee Professional Development; 605.05 School Library. All Ayes. The motion carried. 

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Wiese to approve the second and final reading of the following Board Policies: 602.01 Curriculum Development; 602.02 Curriculum Implementation; 602.03 Curriculum Evaluation; 605.01 R1 Instructional Materials Selection Regulation; 605.02 Instructional Materials Inspection; 605.03 Objection to Instructional Materials; 605.03 R1 Objection to Instructional Materials – Reconsideration of Instructional Materials Regulation; 605.03 E1 Objection to Instructional Materials – Instructions to Reconsideration Committee; 605.03 E2 Objection to Instructional Materials – Reconsideration of Instructional and Library Materials Request Form; 605.03 E4 Objection to Instructional Materials – Request to Prohibit a Student from Checking Out Specific Library Materials and to table 605.01 Instructional Materials to the next Board Meeting so that additional changes could be made. All Ayes. The motion carried. 

Mr. Cain gave his Superintendent’s Report to the Board on the following items: Met with students identified as Trojan Way leaders last week; Continuing work on District branding; had a meeting with Mr. Boley and representatives from Marshalltown Community College; Middle School Facilities meeting will be coming up in the near future; Working to enhance classroom libraries through the use of ESSER funds; Committees are up and are underway. 

Mr. Denham provided an update on the financing plan for the Middle School project. If the property can be transferred from the State to the City of Toledo by November 14th then the District may still be able to issue Bank Qualified bonds for the project prior to end of the calendar year to take advantage of interest savings. 

Mr. Denham reviewed the preliminary 2021-2022 audit results and comments with the Board. 

Motion by Dolezal, second by Wiese to adjourn the meeting at 6:04 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 October 17, 2022 for a Regular Session at the Partnership Center, 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, Clint Werner and Beth Wiese. Absent: Mandy Lekin and Elizabeth Dolezal. Quorum Present. Also present were: Superintendent John Cain, Katie Mathern, High School Activities Director Chelsea Ahrens, Dixie Forcht, Marilyn Rippy, Steve McAdoo, Chris and Carrie Musgrave and members of the community through Google Hangouts.

Mr. Cain requested an addition of “girls wrestling” to the personnel position descriptions, that the reading of the policies was the second and final reading, and the difference between certified and non-certified staff for cashing in personal days on the staff recognition item be added to the agenda. Mr. Cain also noted that an overnight trip request came in after the Board Packet had gone out. Motion by Wiese, second by Werner to approve the agenda with the additions as presented. All Ayes. The motion carried.

Motion by Wiese, second by Werner to approve the following consent agenda items: Minutes from the October 17, 2022 regular session; bills for payment and financial statements as presented; a contract addendum with Tanager Place for BHIS Services; agreement with GreenBelt Technology Solutions LLC for E-Rate Services; proposal agreement from Walsh Door & Security for Camera Software Upgrade; agreement with The Author Village for a speaker to come to the elementary (will be reimbursed by the Elementary Boosters); and an early graduation request for Julius Youngbear. All Ayes. The motion carried.

Public Comments – Dixie Forcht provided comments on Board Policies.

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

Resignations: Jeff Niedermann - 7th Grade Assistant Football; Aaron Kvidera - Kitchen Staff; Clayton Killian - Custodian; Dustin Peska - 7th Grade Head Football

New Hires: Jason Arp - Co-Head Girls Wrestling Coach; Joe Miller - Assistant Varsity Boys Soccer Coach; Corey Upah - Assistant Varsity Boys Baseball Coach

Contract Amendments: Danny Elsbury - Co-Head Girls Wrestling Coach; Nate Van Dyke - Head High School Boys Wrestling Coach

Officials: Craig Harrison - Middle School Girls Basketball

Motion by Wiese, second by Werner to appoint Katie Mathern as Board Secretary. All Ayes. The motion carried.

Vice President Tyynismaa administered the Oath of Office to Secretary Katie Mathern.

Motion by Wiese, second by Werner to approve the second and final reading of the following Board Policies: 401.14 Employee Expression; 408.1 Licensed Employee Professional Development; 605.05 School Library; and 605.1 Instructional Materials Selection. All Ayes. The motion carried.

Board President Lekin arrived at 5:23 p.m.

Motion by Wiese, second by Werner to approve the Early Retirement Incentive in the amount of $7,800.00 a year for 5 years. All Ayes. The motion carried.

Motion by Wiese, second by Werner to approve the Impact Aid Indian Policies and Procedures as presented for the 2023-2024 school year. All Ayes. The motion carried.

Motion by Wiese, second by Werner to approve the application to the SBRC for modified allowable growth and supplemental aid for LEP allowable costs of $162,127.42. All Ayes. The motion carried.

Motion by Wiese, second by Werner to approve the 2022-2023 school year Staff Recognition Incentives as presented. All Ayes, except Tyynismaa, who abstained. The motion carried.

Motion by Wiese, second by Werner to approve the Madison National Life/Accidental Death and Dismemberment Proposal as presented. All Ayes, except Tyynismaa, who abstained. The motion carried.

Mr. Cain gave his Superintendent’s Report to the Board on the following items: Sharing data quarterly on suspensions in the district; Veterans Day Celebration will be on Friday, November 11th; Completing Equity Report for the State; East Marshall will be holding a legislative dinner on December 7th; Committees have kicked off; Wrestling and basketball have started for the junior high.

Mr. Cain provided an update on the Middle School Project. The mitigation on the first and second floor of the building at the location is completed. There is no new information on the transfer of property from the State to the City of Toledo.

Steve McAdoo, along with Chris Musgrave from Tender Lawn Care, discussed the trees at the high school with the Board. There are oak bugs that were brought in from the derecho that are now damaging the oak trees. The trees will either need to be treated or eventually cut down.

The Board took a short break at 6:12 p.m. prior to entering into closed session.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Wiese to go into closed session at 6:19 p.m. pursuant to Iowa Code 21.5(i) of the open meeting law to evaluate the professional competency of an individual whose appointment, hiring, performance, or discharge is being considered when necessary to prevent needless and irreplaceable injury to that individual’s reputation and that individual requests a closed session. Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Wiese to come out of closed session at 7:50 p.m.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Wiese to adjourn the meeting at 7:51 p.m. All Ayes.

 

Mandy Lekin, Board President                                          Katie Mathern, 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 November 21, 2022 for a Regular Session at the Partnership Center, 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 Beth Wiese. Elizabeth Dolezal was present through Google Hangouts.  Quorum Present. Also present were: Superintendent John Cain, Board Secretary Katie Mathern, High School Principal Robert Boley, Middle School Principal Ben Adams, Joy Schirmer, Jeff Niedermann, Dixie Forcht,  Marilyn Rippy, a representative from the Tama-Toledo News Chronicle, and members of the community through Google Hangouts.

Lekin suggested the removal of Consent Agenda Item D.  Partner in Education - WCI Financial Bank and moving Adam Steen with the Iowa Department of Administrative Services to speak in regards to the middle school project from the end of the agenda to after the approval of the consent agenda.  Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Wiese to approve the agenda with the changes as presented. All Ayes. The motion carried.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Wiese to approve the following consent agenda items: Minutes from the November 7, 2022 regular session; bills for payment as presented; and an early graduation request for Mariah Spinler.  All Ayes.  The motion carried. 

Adam Steen with the Iowa Department of Administrative Services reported DAS is expecting property appraisal to be completed and sent to the Attorney General’s Office after the internal review.  The necessary transfer documents are being prepared and they are expecting a quick turnaround, assuming a favorable appraisal.  DAS will then transfer the property to the City of Toledo. 

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Wiese to have Mandy Lekin continue as Board President and Elizabeth Dolezal as Vice President.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

The Oath of Office was administered to President Lekin and will be administered to Dolezal at the next meeting.

Public Comments – None.

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

New Hires: Charlie Shuckahosee - Head 7th Grade Boys Basketball Coach;  Dustin Peska - Assistant Middle School Girls Soccer Coach; and Judie Womack - Kitchen Staff (Elementary)

Transfers:  Karl Moeller - From Middle School Custodian to Elementary/High School Custodian and Danielle Stubbs - From Elementary Paraeducator to K-6 Behavior Interventionist

Resignations: Caitlyn Stochl - Elementary Paraeducator and Carley Bolhuis - Elementary Paraeducator

Mentor Contract:  Seth Koch

Volunteers:  Gustavo Chavarria - Gamers Night Coach

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Wiese to approve the overnight trip for two students to attend the Dorian Vocal Festival at  Luther College in Decorah on January 8th & 9th.  All Ayes. The motion carried.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Werner to approve the application to the School Budget Review Committee in the amount of $2,341.08 for special education administrative costs associated with the River Hills Consortium Program for the 2023/2024 school year.   All Ayes.  The motion carried. 

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Wiese to approve the application to the SBRC for modified supplemental amount of $108,405.00 for costs associated with the open enrollment out students on the Fall 2022 enrollment but not on the Fall 2021 enrollment.   All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Wiese to approve the application to the SBRC for modified supplemental amount of $113,863.68 for ELL students beyond the five years. All Ayes.  The motion carried. 

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Wiese to approve the 2021-2022 Treasurers Annual Settlement.  All Ayes.  The motion carried. 

Motion by Wiese, second by Werner to approve the resolution directing the advertisement for sale of not to exceed $10,000,000 General Obligation School Bonds, Series 2022, approving electronic bidding procedures and approving official statement.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Werner to approve the Dissemination Agent Agreement with Piper Sandler for secondary market disclosure.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Mr. Boley spoke to the Board in regards to the high school dress code (hats & hoods).  He will be meeting  with the Board Policy Committee, along with other individuals to get input in a possible change to what is currently written in Board policy and the handbooks. 

Mr. Adams presented on an application called The Safe Track, which is an emergency management app he and a few others are developing.  The Board will see a demonstration at the December 21st Board meeting.  This application will be presented to the Safety Committee as well. 

Superintendent Cain, Mandy Lekin, Elizabeth Dolezal, Beth Wiese, and Katie Mathern attended the Iowa Association of School Boards Convention on November 16th and 17th.  A few sessions they enjoyed involved having the strategic plan as a living document, getting the Board together for work sessions, J-terms, IASB’s financial tools, and the general session, which focused on diversity and equity.    

Superintendent Cain reported the administration will be utilizing the new walkthrough template after break.  Jon Lazar, a former STC student, was inducted to the Iowa High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame during the halftime of Friday night’s Class 5A state championship game at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls.  Mr. Cain gave Katie Mathern, Director of Finance, a tour of the district on Friday.  Many students have completed the writing assessment at all levels and the data will be presented to the Board in the future.   

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Wiese to adjourn the meeting at 6:21 p.m.  All Ayes.

 

 

Mandy Lekin, Board President                             Katie Mathern, 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 December 5, 2022 for a Regular Session at the Partnership Center, 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, Penny Tyynismaa, and Beth Wiese. Clint Werner was absent.  Quorum Present. Also present were: Superintendent John Cain, Board Secretary Katie Mathern, Joy Schirmer, Mike Carnahan, Chelsea Ahrens, Glory Meyer, Travis Squires with Piper Sandler, a representative from the Tama-Toledo News Chronicle, and members of the community through Google Hangouts.

Superintendent Cain suggested the removal of Discussion Items A. Middle School Writing Position Proposal and B.  Middle School Update until next Board meeting.  Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Wiese 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 November 21, 2022 regular session and bills for payment and financial statements as presented.  All Ayes.  The motion carried. 

The Oath of Office was administered to Vice President Dolezal.

Public Comments – None.

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

New Hires: Robert Earles - Middle School Custodian, Kim Zapata - Paraeducator/Bus Monitor, and Marsha Keahna - Special Olympics Sponsor

Resignations: Taylor Ray - ELL Paraeducator

Officials:  David Nitz - MS Boys Basketball, Craig Harrison - MS Boys Basketball, Jeremy Weierman - MS Boys Basketball, Robert Averill - MS Boys Basketball, and Tom Kemper - MS Boys Basketball

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to approve the bid proposal from Plumb Supply Company, in the amount of $6,189.84, for an air dryer for the middle school.  This will be paid for using ESSER funds.  All Ayes. The motion carried.

Motion by Dolezal, second by Wiese to table Agenda Item 7C.  The Tama County Hazard Mitigation Plan for clarification.  All Ayes.  The motion carried. 

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to set the date for the public hearing for the 2022-2023 calendar change for December 19, 2022.  All Ayes. The motion carried. 

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to deny the open enrollment request of M.B. due to currently not having the appropriate special education program in place.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to approve the purchase of the 2018 12-passenger van, in the amount of $52,000.00, from Cassill Motors.  All Ayes.  The motion carried. 

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to table Agenda Item 7G. First Reading of the Post-Issuance Compliance Policy 804.36.R1.  All Ayes.  The motion carried. 

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to table Agenda Item 7H.  First Reading of the Disclosure Policy 804.36R2.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Wiese, second by Dolezal to approve the 2023 STC Music trip to Los Angeles from June 2-6.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Dolezal, second by Wiese to approve the resolution directing the sale of $10,000,000 general obligation school bonds, series 2022 to Northland Securities, Inc. of Minneapolis, Minnesota, for the amount of $10,185,914.80. All Ayes.  The motion carried. 

Motion by Wiese, second by Dolezal to approve the new school sponsored club - debate club.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Wiese, second by Tyynismaa to approve the HUDL annual AD package in the amount of $8,000.00.  All Ayes.  The Motion carried.

Motion by Dolezal, second by Wiese to approve the quote from Realityworks, in the amount of $5,914.65, for six real care babies.  The funding will come out of the Career and Technical Education aid (RPP funding).  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Wiese, second by Dolezal to approve The Strengthening Center quote in the amount of $12,414.04 for student services.  The funding will come from ESSER.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to approve the STC High School Student Council fundraising request for a Parent’s Night Out.  This fundraiser will be held on December 17th from 2 - 8 p.m. at the high school.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

The Board participated in a board development activity, “Considering Board Priorities at the Board Table.”  It opened discussion on each participant’s priorities for the Board and his/her reasoning behind them.   

Superintendent Cain reported his mentor will be visiting the district.  Mr. Cain will give him a tour.  There is a legislative dinner Wednesday, December 7th at the East Marshall High School.  At the upcoming safety committee meeting they will be looking at the potential for a School Resource Officer.  Next week, Mr. Cain and Katie Mathern will be attending the session, The Anatomy of Collective Bargaining: Finances, Strategies & Respect, at a 2-day ISFLC conference.  There has been good movement on the middle school project, with meetings on Wednesday and also next Friday. 

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Wiese to go into closed session at 6:43 p.m. pursuant to Iowa Code 21.5(1)(c) of the open meetings law to discuss strategy with counsel in matters that are presently in litigation or where litigation is imminent where its disclosure would be likely to prejudice or disadvantage the position of the governmental body in that litigation.  Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to come out of closed session at 6:55 p.m.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to approve the settlement agreement as presented.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Wiese, second by Tyynismaa to adjourn the meeting at 6:58 p.m.  All Ayes.

 

Mandy Lekin, Board President          Katie Mathern, 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 December 9, 2022 for a Special Session at the Partnership Center, Tama, Iowa at 7:30 a.m.

On call of the roll the following were present:  Mandy Lekin, Elizabeth Dolezal, Penny Tyynismaa, Clint Werner and Beth Wiese. Quorum Present. Also present were: Superintendent John Cain and Board Secretary Katie Mathern.

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

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Wise to approve the middle school Terracon proposal for geotechnical engineering services, as presented.  All Ayes.  The motion carried. 

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to approve the middle school professional land surveying services proposal from ISG, as presented.  Ayes:  Lekin, Dolezal, Tyynismaa, and Wise  Nays:  Werner The motion carried.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to table the First Amendment to Agreement for Use of Property from the City of Toledo.  All Ayes. The motion carried.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Wiese to adjourn the meeting at 7:40 a.m.  All Ayes.

 

Mandy Lekin, Board President                                   Katie Mathern, 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 December 19, 2022 for a Regular Session at the Partnership Center, 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, Penny Tyynismaa, and Clint Werner. Beth Wiese was absent.  Quorum Present. Also present were: Superintendent John Cain, Board Secretary Katie Mathern, Marilyn Rippy, Ben Adams, Joe Miller, Jeff Niedermann, Morgan McFate, STEAM students, and members of the community in person and through Google Hangouts.

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

Public Hearing - 2022-2023 Calendar Changes:  President Lekin opened the Public Hearing for 2022-2023 School Calendar Changes at 5:01 p.m.  President Lekin asked for public comments.  Marilyn Rippy represented the STCEA and requested a two-hour early dismissal once a month.   

The 2022-2023 Calendar Changes Public Hearing closed at 5:07 p.m.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to approve the 2022-2023 Calendar Change from early dismissal on Wednesdays from 2:10 or 2:15 p.m. to 1:55 or 2:00 p.m.  This will be revisited at the second Board meeting in February 2023.  All Ayes.  The motion carried. 

Motion by Dolezal, second by Werner to approve the following consent agenda items: minutes from the December 5, 2022 regular session, minutes from the December 9, 2022 special session, bills for payment, and early graduation requests for Aldo Valles and Kadence Engler.  All Ayes.  The motion carried. 

Public Comments – None.

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

New Hires: Tyler Fulks - High School Social Studies and Kennedy Adams - Elementary Special Education Paraeducator

Transfers:  Tracy Glockl from High School Education Paraeducator to Elementary Special Education Paraeducator

Officials:  Dave Litterer - Middle School Wrestling

Motion by Dolezal, second by Tyynismaa to approve the Tama County Hazard Mitigation Plan Adoption.  All Ayes. The motion carried.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to approve the first reading of the Post-Issuance Compliance Policy 804.36.R1 with the removal of section 8.  All Ayes.  The motion carried. 

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to approve the first reading of the Disclosure Policy 804.36R2.  All Ayes. The motion carried. 

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to approve the Piper Sandler invoice for financial advisory services in regards to the bonds, in the amount of $47,500.00.   All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Dolezal, second by Werner to approve the invoice from Standard and Poor’s Financial Services for analytical services in regards to the bond rating, in the amount of $19,500.00.  All Ayes.  The motion carried. 

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Werner to approve the new middle school assistant girls wrestling coach position.  All Ayes.  The motion carried. 

Motion by Dolezal, second by Tyynismaa to approve the amendment to the City of Toledo Agreement for Use of Property as presented.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Werner to approve the resolution appointing UMB Bank, N.A. of West Des Moines, Iowa to serve as paying agent, bond registrar, and transfer agent, approving the paying agent, bond registrar and transfer agent agreement and authorizing the execution of same, with a cap of $5,000 cost.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to approve the form of Tax Exemption Certificate be placed on file and approved.  All Ayes.  The motion carried. 

Motion by Dolezal, second by Werner to approve the form of Continuing Disclosure Certificate be placed on file and approved.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Dolezal, second by Werner to approve the resolution amending the resolution authorizing the issuance of general obligation school bonds, series 2022, of the South Tama County Community School District, State of Iowa, in the amount of $10,000,000, and levying a tax for the payment thereof adopted April 4, 2022.   All Ayes.  The Motion carried.

Morgan McFate and students presented the STEAM projects they have been working on .  The students demonstrated and showed the Board members what an application creator looks like behind the scenes and what they do towards the creation of the applications. 

Middle School principal Ben Adams, Joe Miller, and Jeff Niedermann presented their application, “Safe Trak.”  They explained in depth how the application works.  It is currently being developed and they are hoping to present more at the Safety Committee meeting on January 12, 2023. 

Middle School principal Ben Adams gave a middle school update to the Board.  There are currently 420 students at the middle school at South Tama.  He feels the behaviors are heading in the right direction and the referral data backs this idea.  The number of those students participating in activities is on the rise.  There will be more educational data to analyze once the MAP and FAST testing are completed. 

Middle School principal Ben Adams presented a request for a 7th/8th grade writing position for the 2023-2024 school year to the Board.

The Board recognized Charlotte Upah and her major roles on the Middle School Task Force and the STC Foundation.  The Board sends their thoughts to the family.

Superintendent Cain reported there will be a work session on Tuesday, December 20, 2022, with ISG and Travis Squires with Piper Sandler to ensure the district is meeting the needs of the community with the Middle School project, while remaining fiscally responsible .  Tomorrow the district will be going through a vulnerability assessment; which in return, the state will provide money to use in relation to safety for the school.  Mr. Cain is holding individual meetings with all Board members each month.  February 6th will be the first SIAC meeting, following the Board meeting. 

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to go into closed session at 6:54 p.m. 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.  Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to come out of closed session at 7:14 p.m.

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

 

Mandy Lekin, Board President                             Katie Mathern, 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 20, 2022 at the Administration Building, Tama, Iowa at 12:00 p.m.

On call of the roll the following were present:  Mandy Lekin, Elizabeth Dolezal, Beth Wiese and Clint Werner. Absent: Penny Tyynismaa.  Quorum Present. Also present were: Superintendent John Cain, Board Secretary Katie Mathern, Travis Squires of Piper Sandler & Co., Gladys Petersen of ISG, and Art Baumgartner of ISG.

Gladys Petersen and Art Baumgartner of ISG presented the estimated budget for the middle school project.  The Board discussed how to meet the needs of the community with the project while remaining fiscally responsible.  Different options were discussed.

Travis Squires of Piper Sandler reviewed different project finance considerations with the Board. 

A Public Hearing will be held on January 3, 2023 on the proposed issuance of approximately $6,500,000 School Infrastructure Sales, Services and Use Tax Revenue Bonds. 

The work session adjourned at 2:08 p.m.

 

Mandy Lekin, Board President                             Katie Mathern, 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 December 21, 2022 for a Special Session at the Administration Building, Tama, Iowa at 7:50 a.m.

On call of the roll the following were present:  Mandy Lekin, Elizabeth Dolezal, and Beth Wiese through Google Hangouts and Clint Werner in person. Absent:  Penny Tyynismaa.  Quorum Present. Also present were: Superintendent John Cain, Board Secretary Katie Mathern, and Middle School Activity Director Scott Bolen.

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

Board member Tyynismaa joined via Google Hangouts at 7:51 a.m.

Motion by Dolezal, second by Werner to approve the separation agreement from the previous closed session.  All Ayes.  The motion carried. 

Motion by Werner, second by Dolezal to approve the girl’s wrestling sharing agreement with East Marshall and GMG Community Schools.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to adjourn the meeting at 7:54 a.m.  All Ayes.

 

Mandy Lekin, Board President                             Katie Mathern, 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 January 3, 2023 for a Regular Session at the Partnership Center, 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, Penny Tyynismaa, Clint Werner, and Beth Wiese.  Quorum Present. Also present were: Superintendent John Cain, Board Secretary Katie Mathern, Marilyn Rippy, Sam Peska, Travis Sandler with Piper Sandler, and members of the community through Google Hangouts.

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

Public Hearing - Proposed Issuance of Approximately $6,500,000 School Infrastructure Sales, Services and Use Tax Revenue Bonds:  President Lekin opened the Public Hearing for Proposed Issuance of Approximately $6,500,000 School Infrastructure Sales, Services and Use Tax Revenue Bonds at 5:01 p.m.  President Lekin asked for public comments.  Hearing none, President Lekin asked for a motion to close the Public Hearing.

Motion by Wiese, second by Tyynismaa to close the Public Hearing at 5:02 p.m. 

Motion by Dolezal, second by Wiese to approve the resolution supporting the Proposed Issuance of Approximately $6,500,000 School Infrastructure Sales, Services and Use Tax Revenue Bonds.  Ayes:  Lekin, Dolezal, Werner, and Wiese  Nays:  Tyynismaa  The motion carried.  

The regular session was called to order at 5:03 p.m.

On call of the roll the following were present:  Mandy Lekin, Elizabeth Dolezal, Penny Tyynismaa, Clint Werner, and Beth Wiese.  Quorum Present. Also present were: Superintendent John Cain, Board Secretary Katie Mathern, Marilyn Rippy, Sam Peska, Travis Sandler with Piper Sandler, and members of the community through Google Hangouts.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal 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 December 19, 2022 regular meeting, December 20, 2022 work session, December 21, 2022 special meeting, and bills for payment as presented.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.  

Public Comments – None.

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

New Hires: Jennifer Benner - Elementary SPED Paraeducator

Resignations:  Andrea Rutledge - 8th Grade Girls Basketball Coach and Jennifer Benner - PK Midday Bus Route

Officials:  HS Boys Basketball - Rod Kolder, Mike Schmidt, Michael Gruetzmacher, Robert Hoffert, Wayde Blumhardt, Kyle Clark, Sam DeVilder, Brett Swalve, Michael Federer, Mark Murphy, Caleb Nuehring, David Nee, Collin Freesemann, Eugene Ubben, Dave Nitz, Tom Kemper, and Daniel Thomas; HS Girls Basketball - Randy Reindl, Mark Watts, David Mohr, Daniel Schofield, John Miller, Taberie Van Boening, Randy Vorland, Tracey Williams, and Thad Espenscheid; HS Boys & Girls Basketball - Kevin James, Michael Spurlin, Jay Gruenwald, Deidra Mohr, Patrick Bolte, Randy Dieken, and Dick Shindelar; and HS Wrestling - Jordan Bleil, Brantly Bagby, Benjamin Ogle, Justin Brand, Andrew May, Bob Yilek, Dave Litterer, Brandon Dufoe, Bryan Foster, and Joe Fontenot. 

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Wise to approve the second and final reading of the Post-Issuance Compliance Policy 804.36R1.  All Ayes. The motion carried. 

Motion by Dolezal, second Wiese to approve the second and final reading of the Disclosure Policy 804.36R2.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.  

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Wiese to table the ISG invoice and bring back after the work session on January 11, 2022.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.  

Motion by Wiese, second by Tyynismaa to approve the overnight request for the Meistersinger Honor Choir Festival at Wartburg.  All Ayes. The motion carried.  

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to accept the Early Retirement Requests meeting Board Policy 401.07R1 for Teresa Hofer - Elementary Special Education Teacher; Cynthia Backen - Middle School Secretary; and Bette Scheid - Middle School Cook.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Wiese to approve the quote from Pressure Point Cleaners, in the amount of $6,510.95, for high school roof cleaning.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.  

Mrs. Peska reviewed the proposal to approve offering additional classes at the High School.  Mrs. Peska explained that this proposal would provide more options for students to choose from.  Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to approve the following new class proposals for the High School as presented:  Spanish Language and Concepts for Spanish Speakers 2, Veterinary Science, Landscape Design and Construction, Food & Meat Science, and Social Media Marketing.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.  

Travis Squires with Piper Sandler presented the Financing Plan for the Middle School Project with the project budget numbers presented by ISG.  He explained the issuance of School Infrastructure Sales, Services, and Use Tax Revenue Bonds will not impact property taxes and will close the anticipated project gap.  The district has strong valuation growth for this year, which is a positive for this scenario as well.

Mrs. Peska gave a presentation to the Board on the district’s FAST Progress Monitoring.

Mrs. Mathern gave the Board an update on the balance of ESSER funds and the plan for the usage of ESSER funds.  The utilization of the ESSER funding may need to be re-prioritized based on variables in future funding.  

President Lekin presented a Board Table Discussion Tool - Simplifying School Finance.  True and false questions were asked and discussed among the Board over different pieces of School Finance the Board should be aware of.  

Superintendent Cain reported the professional development sessions following break were great.  The district is nearing negotiations, and there will be an exempt session following the next Board meeting to discuss negotiation strategy.  The Wednesday early dismissal change starts January 11, 2023.  

Motion by Dolezal, second by Wises to adjourn the meeting at 7:04 p.m.  All Ayes.

 

Mandy Lekin, Board President                   Katie Mathern, 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 January 6, 2023 for a Special Session at the Partnership Center, Tama, Iowa at 4:00 p.m.

On call of the roll the following were present:  Clint Werner.  Elizabeth Dolezal, Penny Tyynismaa, and Beth Wiese were present on Google Hangouts. Absent:  Mandy Lekin. Quorum Present. Also present were: Superintendent John Cain, Board Secretary Katie Mathern, Steve Chyma, and members from the community on Google Hangouts.

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

Motion by Wiese, second by Wermer to approve the purchase of a 12-passenger van from Cassill Motors in the amount of $52,110.00 with ESSER funding.  All Ayes.  The motion carried. 

Motion by Werner, second by Wiese to adjourn the meeting at 4:10 p.m.  All Ayes.

 

Mandy Lekin, Board President                             Katie Mathern, 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 January 11, 2023 at the Administration Building, Tama, Iowa at 10:00 a.m.

On call of the roll the following were present:  Elizabeth Dolezal, Beth Wiese and Clint Werner. Absent: Mandy Lekin and Penny Tyynismaa.  Quorum Present. Also present were: Superintendent John Cain, Board Secretary Katie Mathern, Ben Adams, Scott Bolen, Steve McAdoo, Gladys Petersen of ISG, and Art Baumgartner of ISG.

Gladys Petersen and Art Baumgartner of ISG presented an updated budget for the middle school project.  The project is now moving forward to the Design and Development stage. 

The work session adjourned at 11:26 a.m.

 

Mandy Lekin, Board President                             Katie Mathern, 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 January 16, 2023 for a Regular Session at the Partnership Center, 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:  Elizabeth Dolezal via Google Hangouts, Penny Tyynismaa, Clint Werner, and Beth Wiese.  Quorum Present. Mandy Lekin was absent.  Also present were: Superintendent John Cain, Board Secretary Katie Mathern, Marilyn Rippy, Heather Garrett, Carmella Garrett, Elementary Principal Brad Schweppe, Middle School Principal Ben Adams, Assistant Elementary Principal Kris Collins, Joy Schirmer, Emmet Schirmer, Jenson Schirmer, Kelly Smith with WCF Financial Bank, and members of the community through Google Hangouts.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Wiese, to approve the agenda with moving Discussion Items A.  Elementary Student Presentation and C.  Partner in Education - WCF Financial Bank to the beginning of the agenda. All Ayes. The motion carried.

Mandy Lekin joined the meeting at 5:01 p.m.

Heather Garrett and students demonstrated how the elementary students use robots to combine the learning of computer science and literacy.  The students write an algorithm for a task for the robot to complete. 

Mr. Schweppe presented a plaque to Kelly Smith, Senior Vice President of WCF Financial Bank, welcoming the bank to be the 23rd member of Partners in Education (PIE).   

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Wiese to approve the following consent agenda items: minutes from the January 3, 2023 regular Board meeting, minutes from the January 6, 2023 special Board meeting, minutes from the January 11, 2023 work session, bills for payment as presented, Tyler Technologies quote for two tablet kits for student transportation, Walsh Door & Security proposal/quote for a new camera for the high school, and Johnson Controls quote to install a cellular communicator for the new middle school site.  All Ayes.  The motion carried. 

Public Comments – None.

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

New Hires: Nate Doran - Weight Training Spring (25%) and Ashley Raue - Assistant Middle School Girls Wrestling Coach

Transfers:  Denise Crawford - From Part-time Preschool Special Education Paraeducator to Full-time K-4 Special Education Paraeducator

Officials:  Patrick Kopsa - Middle School Girls Wrestling, John Bartello - Middle School Girls Wrestling, and Kory Staff - Middle School Boys Basketball

Middle School After School Program Second Semester Teachers:  Molly Ramirez, Michelle Weigand, Carla Coates, Kristen Ebel, Leti Babinat, Amy Stotts, and Paula Graves

Judges for Speech Contest (January 21, 2023):  Morgan McFate, Regina Gill, Mary Fasse-Shaw, Jo Irvin, Jon Huebner, Mikaela Reth, Debbie Iverson, Missy Jesina, Emily Friedman, Payton Jaeger, Micki Stonewall, Sarah Gilchrist, and Jeff Emrich

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Wiese to approve the first reading of the following policies:  Policy 103 - Long-Range Needs Assessment, Policy 400.01 - Equal Employment Opportunity, Policy 500 - Objectives for Equal Education Opportunities for Students, Policy 502.01 - Student Conduct and Discipline, and Policy 502.01 R1 - Suspension.  All Ayes. The motion carried.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second Wiese to approve the ISG invoice in the amount of $137,937.50 for schematic design.  All Ayes.  The motion carried. 

Motion by Wiese, second by Werner to approve the ISG invoice in the amount of $52,734.3.8 for design and development.  All Ayes.  The motion carried. 

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Werner to approve the Christie Door Company estimate in the amount of $5,290.00 to make repairs to existing doors and install a new door at the maintenance shop at the new middle school location.  All Ayes. The motion carried. 

Motion by Wiese, second by Tyynismaa to approve the middle school writing teacher position for the 2023-2024 school year.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Wiese to approve the School Budget Review Committee application request for modified supplemental amount of $268,239 for the At-Risk and Drop Out Prevention Program.   All Ayes.  The motion carried. 

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Werner to appoint Mandy Lekin as the STC School Board representative for the Tama County Conference Board.  All Ayes.  The motion carried. 

Motion by Werner, second by Wiese to approve the change of sign-on bonuses from over three/four years to over two years.  All Ayes.  The motion carried. 

Mr. Schweppe gave a presentation on elementary school.  He is happy and pleased with the direction the elementary school is headed.  At the elementary, the staff has been working on recovering learning loss from COVID.  Currently there are 592 students in the elementary, with approximately 100 students per grade level.  Growth is measured with FAST reading and math proficiency.  The elementary building has a goal of 500 or less student behavior referrals.  Thus far in the school year, they have had 213 student behavior referrals.   

Mr. Cain gave a middle school update based upon the budget information provided from ISG at the work session on January 11th.  The Board requested financials with the Bond/Middle School Project be updated and reviewed at each meeting. 

Mrs. Mathern reviewed the upcoming 2023-2024 budget timeline with the Board and stated the budget will be discussed at the Board level over the next several meetings. 

Mrs. Mathern reviewed the organization of the Board agenda/board packet and suggested using a Google Doc and linking in the documents associated with the agenda within the actual agenda.  The current method and this new method will be provided for the next meeting to get Board feedback. 

Mr. Cain and President Lekin reviewed the District’s Strategic Plan.  The Board and Administration are currently focusing on Anchor 2:  Guarantee Exceptional Learning Opportunities with negotiations occurring in the next month or so and Anchor 3:  Emphasize Data and Measure Progress is showing in the classrooms, with staff and the Board using this data for decision making.

Superintendent Cain showed the Board posters that were created of students who have experienced great achievements.  These posters will hang in the school buildings and also throughout businesses in the community.  Superintendent Cain reviewed topics that will be taken to legislation and encouraged Board members to reach out to legislators on topics affecting public schools.  On February 6th, there will be a SIAC meeting at the beginning of the Board meeting.   

Motion by Wise, second by Tyynismaa to adjourn the meeting at 7:06 p.m.  All Ayes.

 

Mandy Lekin, Board President                             Katie Mathern, 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 February 15, 2023 for a Special Session at the Partnership Center, 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, Tyynismaa, Clint Werner, and Beth Wiese. Quorum Present. Also present were: Superintendent John Cain, Board Secretary Katie Mathern, Activity Director Chelsea Ahrens, Dixie Forcht, Craig Forcht, Riley Grimes, Libby Albright, Ryden Forcht, Paula Graves, Finn Miller, Jonah Houghton, Susan Houghton, Jim Little, and Larae Little. 

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to approve the agenda with the change of Action Item letter a.  Decision on School Play - August Osage County from an action item to a discussion item.  All Ayes.  The motion carried. 

Public Comments – Jim Little offered his appreciation to the STC administration on making a tough decision in regards to the play. 

It had been decided prior to the meeting to not move forward with the play, August Osage County.  The new play to be performed in its place will be You Can’t Take it With You.  Also, the Board will look at putting a procedure in place, in a handbook, for the selections of future performances. 

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to adjourn the meeting at 5:30 p.m.  All Ayes.

 

Mandy Lekin, Board President                             Katie Mathern, 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 February 21, 2023 for a Regular Session at the Partnership Center, 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.  Quorum Present. Clint Werner was absent.  Penny Tyynismaa joined the meeting at 5:10 p.m.  Also present were: Superintendent John Cain, Board Secretary Katie Mathern, Chelsea Ahrens, Rob Boley, Brad Schweppe, Ben Adams, Steve McAdoo, Dixie Forcht, Marilyn Rippy, Steve Chyma, members of the STC high school girls wrestling team and families, and members of the community through Google Hangouts.

Motion by Dolezal, second by Wiese, to approve the agenda with the removal of item #6. STC Boys Wrestling, #8.  Backpack Program, and action item F.  TLC Bid.  All Ayes. The motion carried.

Motion Dolezal, second by Wiese to approve the following consent agenda items: minutes from the February 6, 2023 regular Board meeting, bills for payment and financial statements as presented, and Waterloo Special Education Agreement.  All Ayes.  The motion carried. 

The Board recognized the STC high school girls wrestling team and their achievements for the season.  Addison Klenk, Autumn Elsbury, Jamy Dolash, Abigail Chyma, and Maeley Elsbury introduced themselves and explained how their season went.  Coach Danny Elsbury spoke about the program’s first year and the highlights of the season.  He stated how the entire team represented STC extremely well, and he is proud to be their coach. 

Steve Chyma was honored by the Board for receiving the 2023 Junior High Coach of the Year.  He explained he has been involved with all levels of wrestling for a long time and this is his opportunity to give back.  Steve says the STC wrestling program’s future is looking bright.

Brad Schweppe presented Partners in Education plaques to Mandy Lekin for Appraisal & Real Estate Services and the Tama Livestock Auction. 

Public Comments – None 

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

Officials:  David Lee - MS Track & Field

Motion by Dolezal, second by Wiese to approve the first reading of the following policies:  Policy 403.03 (formerly known as 405.03) - Communicable Diseases - Employees, Policy 601.02 (formerly known as 601.03) - School Day, Policy 802.04 - Capital Assets, and Policy 804.07 -  Radon Mitigation.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Dolezal, second by Tyynismaa to approve the second and final reading of the following policies:  Policy 216.02 - Board of Directors’ Member Development and Training, Policy 701.05 - Fiscal Management, and Policy 701.05-R(1) - Fiscal Management - Financial Metrics.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.  Policy 804.07R1 - Radon Mitigation will be brought back to the next meeting for a final reading. 

Motion by Wiese, second by Dolezal to approve the Football Program Equipment Manager position, with a one year non-renewable contract.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.  

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to approve the sharing agreement with Meskwaki for Spring/Summer athletics.  The motion carried with aye votes from Lekin, Dolezal, and Tyynismaa and one nay vote from Wiese. 

Motion by Dolezal, second by Tyynismaa to approve Terracon invoice, in the amount of $16,800.00, for geotechnical services.  All Ayes.  The motion carried. 

Motion by Doleal, second by Tyynismaa to approve the ISG invoice, in the amount of $169,218.75, for professional services.  All Ayes.  The motion carried. 

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to approve the Communications Engineering Company inspection proposal, in the amount of $5,123.00.  All Ayes.  The motion carried. 

Motion by Dolezal, second by Wiese to approve the final demolition bid package.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Dolezal, second by Wiese to accept the estimates from ISG for the demolition as information only.  All Ayes.  The motion carried. 

High School Principal Rob Boley and Middle School Principal Ben Adams presented a 6th - 12th grade math course proposal to the Board.  They met with the math team to come up with this proposal, which will give STC teachers to meet the students where they are and focus on academic success. 

High School Principal Rob Boley presented to the Board on ESSA (Every Student Succeeds Act), building data, and STCHS student and staff responses to a hats and hoods survey. 

Superintendent Cain spoke on the 2023-2024 calendar options and the public hearing date for the calendar is set for Monday, March 6th, 2023. 

The Board reviewed the geotechnical report (information only).    

Superintendent Cain reported he attended boys state wrestling in Des Moines and state speech in Ames and was extremely proud of the participants.  The District’s safety plan is being reviewed and updated.  Mr. Cain is working with the middle school on ESSA work.  There will be a Benefits Committee Meeting on Monday, February 27, 2023.  The insurance renewal rates will be reviewed, along with different options. 

Motion by Wiese, second by Tyynismaa to adjourn the meeting at 7:44 p.m.  All Ayes.

 

Mandy Lekin, Board President                             Katie Mathern, 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 February 21, 2023 at the Partnership, Tama, Iowa at 7:54 p.m.

On call of the roll the following were present: Mandy Lekin, Elizabeth Dolezal, Penny Tyynismaa, and Beth Wiese.  Absent: Clint Werner.  Quorum Present. Also present were: Superintendent John Cain, Board Secretary Katie Mathern, Steve McAdoo, and Chelsea Ahrens.

The Facilities Committee previously came up with needs for the District and prioritized them by importance/need.  Superintendent Cain, Director of Transportation: Steve Chyma, Director of Buildings and Grounds: Steve McAdoo, and Director of Finance: Katie Mathern met earlier this month to discuss and review the needs presented and created a 5-year plan based upon funds available.  This 5-year plan was presented to the Board.  The Board adjusted the plan where it was needed.  This plan will be re-evaluated every year, as needs and funding may change.

The work session adjourned at 8:48 p.m.

 

Mandy Lekin, Board President                             Katie Mathern, 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 March 6, 2023 for a Regular Session at the Partnership Center, 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.  Quorum Present. Clint Werner was absent.  Penny Tyynismaa joined the meeting at 6:05 p.m.  Also present were: Superintendent John Cain, Board Secretary Katie Mathern, Chelsea Ahrens, Rob Boley, Dixie Forcht, Marilyn Rippy, Nicole Hitchcock, members of the STC high school boys wrestling team and families, members of the STC speech team and families, and members of the community through Google Hangouts.

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

Public Hearing - Proposed selection of the 2023 - 2024 School Calendar at 5:01 p.m.  President Lekin asked for public comments.  With the early release on Mondays, it was discussed how previously STC had tried early release on Fridays and ran into some attendance issues with staff.  A staff member stated that another school district in the area releases early on Tuesdays and this allows for them to work with the AEA, as the AEA visits several schools on Wednesdays for professional development.  Another member of the community suggested a trial period to see if it works to have early releases on Mondays instead of Wednesdays.  President Lekin asked for a motion to close the Public Hearing.

Motion by Dolezal, second by Wiese to close the public hearing at 5:11 p.m.

The regular session was called to order at 5:12 p.m.

On call of the roll the following were present:  Mandy Lekin, Elizabeth Dolezal, and Beth Wiese.  Quorum Present. Clint Werner was absent.  Penny Tyynismaa joined the meeting at 6:05 p.m.  Also present were: Superintendent John Cain, Board Secretary Katie Mathern, Chelsea Ahrens, Rob Boley, Dixie Forcht, Marilyn Rippy, Nicole Hitchcock, members of the STC high school boys wrestling team and families, members of the STC speech team and families, and members of the community through Google Hangouts.

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

Motion Wiese, second by Dolezal to approve the following consent agenda items: minutes from the February 15, 2023 special Board meeting,minutes from the February 21, 2023 regular Board meeting, minutes from the February 21, 2023 work session, bills for payment and financial statements as presented, AEA Purchasing Agreement, UNI Cooperative Agreement, and Sioux City Special Education Agreement.  All Ayes.  The motion carried. 

The Board celebrated the STC high school boys wrestling team and their achievements for the season.  Jacob Youngbear, Macael Bear, Rudy Papakee, Gavin Bridgewater, and Amare Chavez introduced themselves and provided memories and highlights of the season.  Coach Bailey Chyma spoke about the program and the highlights of the 13th winning season.  

The Board celebrated the STC speech team and their accomplishments for the season.  Libby Albright, Ryden Forcht, and Kara Nachazel introduced themselves and provided memories and highlights of the season.  Speech coach, Dixie Forcht, spoke of the program and the accomplishments of the One-Act Play and Ensemble Acting at Large Group Speech All State.

Nicole Hitchcock spoke to the Board about the Backpack Program and how it has benefited several students at STC.  When the funding was limited earlier this year, many community members stepped up and provided donations to ensure this program continues. 

Public Comments – None 

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

Hires:  Craig Harrison - 7th Grade Boys Track, Maria Guilera - Preschool Special Education Paraeducator, and Britt Michell pending graduation

Resignations:  Zoe Garber - Kindergarten (effective end of 22-23 school year), Haley Wilson - Elementary Special Education (effective end of 22-23 school year), David Nitz - 9th grade boys basketball coach, and Nate Doran - assistant high school boys basketball

Transfer:  Alison Brezina - from part-time bus driver to full-time bus driver

Motion by Wiese, second by Dolezal to approve the second and final reading of the following policies:  Policy 403.03 (formerly known as 405.03) - Communicable Diseases - Employees, Policy 601.02 (formerly known as 601.03) - School Day, Policy 802.04 - Capital Assets, and Policy 804.07 -  Radon Mitigation.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Dolezal, second by Wiese to approve the first reading of the following policies:  Policy 401.14 - Employee Expression, Policy 504.05 R1 - Student Fundraising, Policy 507.02 (formerly known as 507.04) - Administration of Medications to Students, Policy 601.01 - School Calendar, Policy 605.05 - School Library, Policy 607.01a - Student Guidance and Counseling Program, Policy 705.01a - Purchasing-Bidding, Policy 705.01 R2 - Purchasing - Bidding Using Federal Funds in Procurement Contract, Policy 704.06 - Online Fundraising Campaigns/Crowdfunding, and Policy 802.03 (formerly known as 902.03) - Emergency Repair.  All Ayes.  The motion carried. 

Motion by Wiese, second by Tyynismaa to approve the 2023 - 2024 proposed calendar.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.  

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Wiese to approve the insurance renewal and package as recommended.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Dolezal, second by Wiese to approve the high school dress code recommendation of allowing hats and hoods; however, student faces should be able to be seen.  The motion carried with aye votes from Dolezal, Lekin, and Wiese and one nay vote from Tyynismaa. 

The Board discussed the need for a School Resource Officer in the future.  Tama Chief of Police, Dan Quigley, spoke about what the role in the District might look like.  He, along with Jason Bina, Toledo Chief of Police, have been meeting with the STC district to outline the job and responsibilities of a SRO and will continue to work with the district to create an initial job description and work out the hiring process.  This position will be brought to the Board in the future for approval. 

Superintendent Cain gave a middle school update.  A pre bid meeting occurred this afternoon.  A spec page-by-page meeting will be held in the near future before bid package 2 goes out. 

The public hearing for the change for the 2022-2023 school calendar for the remainder of the year will take place on Monday, March 20th. 

Superintendent Cain spoke on the IASB Summit on Student Success taking place on April 27th and 28th and encouraged Board members to attend.  If interested, he asked for them to let him know to get them signed up. 

Superintendent Cain reported he is excited for the Stronger Connections Grant and has a team working on this opportunity.  He is looking at and working on job descriptions so they are more clearly aligned with each position.  Mr. Cain attached the Satchel Pulse results in the News & Notes and encouraged Board members to review them.  The district’s second writing assessment is completed so he will bring the data to the Board once it is compiled. 

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Wise 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 Wiese, second by Dolezal to come out of closed session at 7:05 p.m.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to adjourn the meeting at 7:06 p.m.  All Ayes.

 

Mandy Lekin, Board President                             Katie Mathern, 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 March 20, 2023 for a Regular Session at the Partnership Center, 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 Penny Tyynismaa.  Quorum Present. Clint Werner was absent.  Beth Wiese joined the meeting at 5:57 p.m. via telephone and left the meeting at 6:50 p.m.  Also present were: Superintendent John Cain, Board Secretary Katie Mathern, Chelsea Ahrens via Google Hangouts, Ashley Raue, Sam Peska, Steve McAdoo, Dan Quigley, Ben Adams, Marilyn Rippy, and members of the community through Google Hangouts.

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

Public Hearing - Changes to the 2022-2023 School Calendar at 5:01 p.m.  President Lekin asked for public comments.  No comments.  President Lekin asked for a motion to close the Public Hearing.

Motion by Dolezal, second by Tyynismaa to close the public hearing at 5:03 p.m.

The regular session was called to order at 5:03 p.m.

On call of the roll the following were present:  Mandy Lekin, Elizabeth Dolezal, and Penny Tyynismaa.  Quorum Present. Clint Werner was absent.  Beth Wiese joined the meeting at 5:57 p.m. via telephone and left the meeting at 6:50 p.m.  Also present were: Superintendent John Cain, Board Secretary Katie Mathern, Chelsea Ahrens via Google Hangouts, Ashley Raue, Sam Peska, Steve McAdoo, Dan Quigley, Ben Adams, Marilyn Rippy, and members of the community through Google Hangouts.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to approve the agenda with moving agenda item 7.B. Middle School Teacher Lead Math Presentation to after public comments and add agenda item 6.T. 2022-2023 School Calendar Changes.  All Ayes.  The motion carried. 

Motion Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to approve the following consent agenda items: minutes from the March 6, 2023 regular Board meeting, bills for payment and financial statements as presented, Coca Cola Agreement, early graduation request for Josiline Ellis and early graduation request for Brendon Ribby.  All Ayes.  The motion carried. 

Public Comments – None 

Teacher, Ashley Raue, presented on middle school math.  The Bridges Math Curriculum 5th grade is currently used and was adopted two years ago.  She explained the process of how the curriculum is presented to students through pretests, lessons, checkpoints, and post-assessments. 

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

Hires:  Tayler Bovenmeyer - 7th grade writing teacher and Alisa Brinkman - middle school Strat I Special Education teacher

Resignations:  Elinor Rutledge - elementary kitchen staff, Mariah Snyder - elementary special education, Jerrod Bridgewater - 8th grade boys basketball, Maddy Huffaker - 5th-8th grade TAG, and Sidney Barrett - kindergarten teacher

Transfer:  Cassie Sokol from district wide substitute to kindergarten (2023-2024 school year) and Dyanira Perez from preschool ELL paraeducator to middle school activities secretary (2023-2024 school year)

Officials:  Cameron Cantrall - HS boys soccer, Jeffrey Blanchard - HS boys soccer, Tyler Strickler - HS boys soccer, Logan Swaim - HS boys soccer, Chris Weber -  HS boys soccer, Dustin Hughson - HS boys soccer, Terence Moriarty - HS girls soccer, Emily Phillips - HS girls soccer, and David Lee - HS track meet starter

Volunteers:  Olivia Terrones - HS girls soccer, Josh Bly - HS baseball, and Bailey Chyma - HS boys tennis

Motion by Dolezal, second by Tyynismaa to approve the first reading of the following policies:  Policy 104 (formerly known as 502.03) - Anti-Bullying/Harassment Policy, Policy 104-E(1) (formerly known as 502.03E1) - Anti-Bullying/Harassment Policy - Complaint Form, Policy 104-E(2) (formerly known as 502.03E2) - Anti-Bullying/Harassment Policy - Witness Disclosure Form, Policy 104-E(3) (formerly known as 502.03E3) - Anti-Bullying/Harassment Policy - Disposition of Complaint Form, and Policy 104-R(1) (formerly known as 502.03R1) - Anti-Bullying/Harassment Policy - Investigation Procedures.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to table the second reading of the following policies until the next Board meeting:  Policy 401.14 - Employee Expression, Policy 504.05 R1 - Student Fundraising, Policy 507.02 (formerly known as 507.04) - Administration of Medication to Students, Policy 507.02 E1 - Administration of Medication to Students - Administration Consent Form, Policy 601.01 - School Calendar, Policy 605.05 - School Library, Policy 607.01a - Student Guidance and Counseling Program, Policy 704.06 - Online Fundraising Campaigns/Crowdfunding, Policy 705.01a - Purchasing-Bidding, Policy 705.01 R2 - Purchasing-Bidding Using Federal Funds in Procurement Contract, and Policy 802.03 (formerly known as 902.03) - Emergency Repair.  All Ayes.  The motion carried. 

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to approve the Cutting Edge Curriculum quote for a site license and functionality renewal in the amount of $9,500.00.   All Ayes.  The motion carried.  

Motion by Dolezal, second by Tyynismaa to approve the ISG invoice for design development and construction documents in the amount of $227,109.00.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to approve the Hoglund Bus quote for the installation of cameras on buses in the amount of $17,668.40.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to approve the Doors Inc. quote for the window between the wood shop and welding classrooms in the amount of $4,189.00.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to approve the DC Construction quote for the administration building roof replacement in the amount of $19,021.00.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to approve the Scharnweber, Inc. quote for the Partnership Center waterline repair in the amount of $14,475.00.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to table agenda item 6.J. Elementary Carpet Replacement Bids to obtain additional quotes.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to approve the Impact 7G agreement for asbestos consulting.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to table agenda item 6.L. Bond Proceeds Investing until more information is provided from ISJIT.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to approve the audit proposal for the fiscal years ending June 30, 2023, 2024 and 2025 submitted by Kay L. Chapman, CPA PC.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Dolezal, second by Wiese to table agenda item 6.N. Insurance Contributions until there is more discussion from the Board.  All ayes, except for Tyynismaa who abstained.  The motion carried. 

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to authorize the Board secretary to publish the 2023-2024 budget estimate with $6,289,219 to be raised via property taxes through a total tax levy of $14.45258 per $1,000, and to hold a public hearing at 5:00 p.m. on April 17, 2023, at the Partnership Center in Tama, regarding the budget, as required by law.  (Last year’s approved tax levy amount was $14.45287).  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to table agenda item 6.P. RTI ERate Quote until more information is provided.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Dolezal, second by Tyynismaa to approve the Mystery Science quote for kindergarten, 1st grade, 3rd grade, and 4th grade packs in the amount of $8,025.00.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to approve the additional middle school fundraiser.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to approve the additional high school fundraisers for boys and girls track, baseball, and boys and girls tennis.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to approve the changes to the 2022-2023 school calendar.  These changes would revert the early dismissals on Wednesdays back to 2:20 p.m. and 2:25 p.m. dismissals starting the week of March 20th through the remainder of the school year.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Middle school principal Ben Adams presented data to the Board from the middle school.  Current enrollment is 425 students.  Power Metrics is utilized to obtain data.  For activities, 58% of the students in 7th grade are participating in one or more activities and 64% of the students in 8th grade are participating in one or more activities.  Only nine students weren’t allowed to participate in the PBIS celebrations.  Looking ahead, the real challenge will be 24 students coming into 5th grade next year. 

ISG is doing a nice job collaborating with staff for different decisions being made with the middle school, including interior design.  They have met with as many teacher groups as possible and plan to continue this throughout the project.

Chelsea Ahrens discussed the funding options for a new outdoor scoreboard.  Coca Cola is providing $12,500.00 towards the scoreboard with the approved agreement. Chelsea stated she is reaching out to businesses in regards to this and Activity Boosters are looking into helping with this as well. 

Sam Peska discussed the need for an additional part-time paraeducator. 

Superintendent Cain discussed SIAC and goal setting.  In his next newsletter, he will provide the information from the committees and with this, look at what Board goals to put in the forefront.

Superintendent Cain reported he and the Administrative Team met to review the results from the completed vulnerability assessment.  The group is looking at using the funds provided towards upgrading camera and door systems, while aligning with the middle school project.  A group will be meeting with ISG to complete a Design and Development page turn to go through the plans in detail.  Negotiations will take place tomorrow night with the first proposals. 

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to go into closed session at 7:39 p.m. pursuant to Iowa Code 21.5(1)(c) of the open meetings law to discuss strategy with counsel in matters that are presently in litigation or where litigation is imminent where its disclosure would be likely to prejudice or disadvantage the position of the governmental body in that litigation.  All Ayes. 

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to come out of closed session at 7:46 p.m.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to approve the settlement agreement as presented.  All Ayes.  The motion carried. 

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to adjourn the meeting at 7:47 p.m.  All Ayes.

 

Mandy Lekin, Board President                             Katie Mathern, 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 March 23, 2023 for a Special Session at the Administration Center, Tama, Iowa at 7:30 a.m.

On call of the roll the following were present:  Mandy Lekin, Elizabeth Dolezal, Penny Tyynismaa, and Beth Wiese Clint Werner was present via telephone. Quorum Present. Also present were: Superintendent John Cain, Board Secretary Katie Mathern, Mary Mixdorf, Katie Hulin, and members from the community on Google Hangouts.

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

Motion by Dolezal, second by Wiese to approve the RTI ERate Quote.  All Ayes.  The motion carried. 

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Wiese to approve the TLC Lawn Care quote for mowing and lawn care for the activity fields in the amount of $18,500.00.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to adjourn the meeting at 7:41 a.m.  All Ayes.

 

Mandy Lekin, Board President                             Katie Mathern, 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 3, 2023 for a Regular Session at the Partnership Center, 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 Penny Tyynismaa.  Quorum Present. Clint Werner was absent.  Beth Wiese joined the meeting at 5:47 p.m. via telephone.  Also present were: Superintendent John Cain, Board Secretary Katie Mathern, Steve McAdoo, Marilyn Rippy, Dixie Forcht, Christine McFate, Mike Carnahan, Emily Carnhan, Brooks Baier, ISG representatives, Lincoln Savings Bank representatives, PMA Financial representatives, and members of the community through Google Hangouts.

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

Motion Dolezal, second by Tyynismaa to approve the following consent agenda items: minutes from the March 20, 2023 regular Board meeting, minutes from the March 23, 2023 special session, bills for payment as presented, Johnson Controls quote, early graduation request for Eeva Lasley - May 2024, Austin Jensen - December 2023, and Tayler Harmon - March 2023.  All Ayes.  The motion carried. 

The Board recognized those students who received Division I Ratings in the IHSMA State Solo and Small Ensemble Festival:  Libby Albright - vocal solo, Brooks Baier - trombone solo, Emily Carnahan - trumpet solo and piano solo, Katie Husak - clarinet solo, Kylie Husak - alto sax solo, Garret Surman - snare drum solo, Josey Wacha - euphonium solo, Pelle Weiss - trumpet solo, Joseph Withrow - horn solo, Katie Husak and Joseph Withrow - clarinet and horn duet, and Libby Albright, Emily Carnahan, Josey Wacha, Pelle Weiss, and Joseph Withrow - brass quintet.

Public Comments – None 

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

Hires:  Josh Bly - football equipment manager and Bailey Chyma - spring sport paraeducator (IEP specific)

Resignations:  Dustin Peska - head boys basketball

Transfer:  Regina Gill from middle school ELL to middle school special education

Motion by Dolezal, second by Tyynismaa to approve investing the current bond proceeds with Lincoln Savings Bank.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Dolezal, second by Tyynismaa to approve the second reading of the following policies:  Policy 104 (formerly known as 502.03) - Anti-Bullying/Harassment Policy, Policy 104-E(1) (formerly known as 502.03E1) - Anti-Bullying/Harassment Policy - Complaint Form, Policy 104-E(2) (formerly known as 502.03E2) - Anti-Bullying/Harassment Policy - Witness Disclosure Form, Policy 104-E(3) (formerly known as 502.03E3) - Anti-Bullying/Harassment Policy - Disposition of Complaint Form, and Policy 104-R(1) (formerly known as 502.03R1) - Anti-Bullying/Harassment Policy - Investigation Procedures.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to approve the second reading of the following policies:  Policy 401.14 - Employee Expression, Policy 504.05 R1 - Student Fundraising, Policy 507.02 (formerly known as 507.04) - Administration of Medication to Students, Policy 507.02 E1 - Administration of Medication to Students - Administration Consent Form, Policy 601.01 - School Calendar, Policy 605.05 - School Library, Policy 607.01a - Student Guidance and Counseling Program, Policy 704.06 - Online Fundraising Campaigns/Crowdfunding, Policy 705.01a - Purchasing-Bidding, Policy 705.01 R2 - Purchasing-Bidding Using Federal Funds in Procurement Contract, and Policy 802.03 (formerly known as 902.03) - Emergency Repair.  All Ayes.  The motion carried. 

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to approve the additional paraeducator position.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.  

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to approve the insurance benefit dollars and cash in lieu proposal.  This proposal matches the benefit bucks and cash in lieu at the same dollar amount:  $2,432.00 per month for administration and $857.00 per month for certified and classified staff.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Wiese to approve the Hrabaks carpeting bid, in the amount of $49,010.66 for carpet for the elementary pre-kindergarten and kindergarten areas.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to approve the Hawkeye Fire and Safety bid, in the amount of $2,382.50, for fire extinguisher inspections.   All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to approve the Z-Line quote, in the amount of $16,784.24, for the new middle school mower.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to approve the Tyler Technologies invoice, in the amount of $9135.00, for Tyler Drive 2 support and maintenance on the bus software.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Dolezal, second by Wiese, to approve the IXL renewal quote, in the amount of $19,555.00, for an IXL site license (grades 9-12).   All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Public Hearing - Bid Package #1 plans, specifications, form of contract and the estimated total cost at 6:00 p.m.  President Lekin asked for comments.  With no comments, President Lekin asked for a motion to close the public hearing. 

Motion by Dolezal, second by Wiese to close the public hearing at 6:02 p.m.

Motion by Dolezal, second by Tyynismaa to consider the construction bids received and award the construction contract to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder for Bid Package #1, Garling Construction.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.   

The Board discussed the potential of a School Resource Officer.  All parties involved have created a job description draft for what the position would entail.  The cities of Tama and Toledo are planning for a joint meeting for this discussion topic.  President Lekin and Superintendent Cain will plan to attend to represent the school.   

Director of Finance, Katie Mathern, inquired about the school holding a gambling license in the past and is looking into acquiring one for the district for a two-year period.

A team will be meeting with ISG to complete a design and development page-by-page turn for the new middle school bid package #2. 

Superintendent Cain updated the Board with Satchel Pulse data and explained the main focus from this data would be to identify the highest need and then prioritize accordingly. 

The Board reviewed the SIAC committees’ goals and plan to dig deeper in future Board meetings.

Superintendent Cain reported on the school district’s involvement with RAGBRAI.  He has attended a team meeting and it is the understanding the District will provide nearly all of the showers for participants.  The District will also provide transportation and possibly utilize the high school’s kitchen to provide food and beverages.  Superintendent Cain explained there is 4.75 hours needed to make up.  There will be professional development on April 11th and paraeducators are invited to attend. 

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Wiese to adjourn the meeting at 6:50 p.m.  All Ayes.

Immediately following the regular meeting, the Board went into exempt session per Iowa Code 21.9 to discuss strategy relating to employment conditions of employees not covered by a Collective Bargaining Agreement.

 

Mandy Lekin, Board President                             Katie Mathern, Board Secretary    

PUBLIC HEARING AND 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 17, 2023 for a Public Hearing on the 2023-2024 Certified Budget at the Partnership Center, 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, Penny Tyynismaa, Clint Werner, and Beth Wiese.  Quorum Present.   Also present were: Superintendent John Cain, Board Secretary Katie Mathern, Steve McAdoo, Marilyn Rippy, Kris Collins, Brad Schweppe, Jonathan Meyer with the Tama-Toledo News Chronicle and members of the community through Google Hangouts.

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

Public Hearing - President Lekin opened the Public Hearing for the 2023-2024 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, Elizabeth Dolezal, Penny Tyynismaa, Clint Werner, and Beth Wiese.  Quorum Present.   Also present were: Superintendent John Cain, Board Secretary Katie Mathern, Steve McAdoo, Marilyn Rippy, Kris Collins, Brad Schweppe, Jonathan Meyer with the Tama-Toledo News Chronicle and members of the community through Google Hangouts.

Motion Dolezal, second by Tyynismaa to approve the following consent agenda items: minutes from the
April 3, 2023 regular Board meeting, bills for payment as presented, Timberline Agreement & Addendum, early graduation request for Sarayna Mauskemo - January 2024 and Caitlyn Mathes-Henle - May 2024.  All Ayes.  The motion carried. 

Public Comments – None 

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

Hires:  Taylor Ray - Kindergarten Teacher, Carley Boulhius - K-6 Trojan Academy Special Education Teacher, and Gretchen Taylor - 9-12 Special Education

Resignations:  Molly Ramirez - 5th Grade Teacher and Nicole Walker - 5th Grade Teacher

Transfer:  Kenadie Geiger from Elementary Academic Interventionist to Elementary Special Education Teacher and Andrea Rutledge from High School English Language Arts Teacher to District Wide Substitute (High School Focused)

Officials:  Kyle Clark - HS Soccer, Steve Vermeer - HS Soccer, Robert Scranton - HS Soccer, Theron Hitchman - HS Soccer, Mark McFate - MS & HS Soccer, Jeffrey Blanchard - HS Soccer, Bryan Foster - HS Soccer, Terence Moriarty - HS Soccer, Tyler STrickler - HS Soccer, and Greg Cruikshank - MS Soccer

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Wiese to approve the first reading of the following policies:  Policy 403.03 R1 - Communicable Diseases - Employees - Regulation and Policy 705.04 (formerly known as 804.07) - Expenditures for Public Purpose.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Wiese to approve the bid from Pan-O-Gold for the 2023-2024 bread vendor.  All Ayes.  The motion carried. 

Motion by Dolezal, second by Werner to approve the Resolution Authorizing the Issuance of Not to Exceed $5,000,000 General Obligation School Bonds and Levying a Tax for the Payment Thereof.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.  

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to approve the quote from Cassill Motors, in the amount of $59,997, for a 12 - passenger van paid with ESSER funding.   All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to approve the AthleticSound proposal, in the amount of $3,198.00, for the baseball field sound system.  The STC Boosters agreed to pay $3,000.00 towards this.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Wiese, second by Tyynismaa to approve the 2023-2024 Certified Budget as presented with a total tax rate of $14.45.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Wiese to approve setting the date of May 1, 2023 for the 2022-2023 Calendar Public Hearing for a change to the calendar.  4.75 hours need to be added to the student calendar.  It is recommended to utilize 1.0 hours on May 25th and 3.75 hours on May 26th.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Elementary principal, Brad Schweppe and elementary assistant principal, Kris Collins, presented information from the elementary school.  Mr. Schweppe is happy with how things are going at the elementary building.  Using the FAST testing data, they are able to identify what students need interventions.  The building has an average daily attendance goal of 95%.  According to PowerMetrics data, the elementary school is sitting at 92.7% for the average daily attendance.  The District Attorney has been great to meet with in regards to the possibilities of what to do to increase this percentage. 

Demolition has started at the new middle school site.  The contractors are gutting the inside of the building and filling dumpsters.  This is all part of Bid Package #1. 

Superintendent Cain reported RAGBRAI is coming and the District will be providing showers and transportation for sure.  Negotiation meetings and exempt sessions have been occurring, as STCEA and the District have not yet settled.  The District has 4.75 hours to add to the student calendar, which a Public Hearing will be held for at May 1st’s Board meeting.  A few SIAC committees are continuing to meet, while others will resume meetings in the Fall.           

Motion by Dolezal, second by Wiese to adjourn the meeting at 5:59 p.m.  All Ayes.

Immediately following the regular meeting, the Board went into exempt session per Iowa Code 21.9 to discuss strategy relating to employment conditions of employees covered by a Collective Bargaining Agreement.

 

Mandy Lekin, Board President                             Katie Mathern, Board Secretary    

PUBLIC HEARING AND 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 1, 2023 for a Public Hearing on the 2022-2023 Calendar at the Partnership Center, 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, Penny Tyynismaa, Clint Werner, and Beth Wiese.  Quorum Present.   Also present were: Superintendent John Cain, Board Secretary Katie Mathern, Steve McAdoo, Marilyn Rippy, Mary Mixdorf, Jonathan Meyer with the Tama-Toledo News Chronicle and members of the community through Google Hangouts.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to approve the agenda with the addition of item M.  2022-2023 Calendar Change and addition of the resignation of Jeff Funk as business teacher to item A.  Personnel.  All Ayes. The motion carried.

Public Hearing - President Lekin opened the Public Hearing for the 2022-2023 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 5:02 p.m.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

The Regular Session was called to order at 5:02 p.m.

On call of the roll the following were present:  Mandy Lekin, Elizabeth Dolezal, Penny Tyynismaa, Clint Werner, and Beth Wiese.  Quorum Present.   Also present were: Superintendent John Cain, Board Secretary Katie Mathern, Steve McAdoo, Marilyn Rippy, Mary Mixdorf, Jonathan Meyer with the Tama-Toledo News Chronicle and members of the community through Google Hangouts.

Motion Tyynismaa, second by Wiese to approve the following consent agenda items: minutes from the
April 17,  2023 regular Board meeting, bills for payment as presented, financial statements,  Anderson Erickson Contract Extension, and copier lease with Premier Office Equipment.  All Ayes.  The motion carried. 

Mr. Cain recognized Elysian Spa as a new member of Partners in Education. 

Public Comments – None 

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

Hires:  Sam Cantonwine - Summer Weight Room Supervisor, Dustin Peska - Assistant Football Coach (Frosh Team), Jordan Bowers - District Wide Substitute (Elementary Focused), and Craig Harrison - Head 7th Grade Football Coach

Resignations:  Tara Upah - Color Guard Sponsor, Heather Garrett - Elementary Media Specialist, Connor McKibben - 8th Grade Social Studies Teacher, Jennifer Nunez - Preschool Special Education Paraeducator, Christine McFate - Assistant Large Group Speech Coach, and Jeff Funk - Business Teacher

Transfers:  Kristee McGrew from 1st Grade Teacher to Elementary ELL Teacher and Charlie Schuckahosee from 7th Grade Head Basketball Coach to 8th Grade Head Basketball Coach

Officials:  James Hall - MS Softball, Tiffany Thiessen - MS Softball, Andrew Shivers - HS Soccer, Andy Chase - HS Soccer, and David Abkemeier - HS Soccer

Volunteers:  David Wiese - HS Volunteer Baseball Coach

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Werner to approve the Heartland Scenic Studio, Inc. quote, in the amount of $33,007.13, for a new curtain and pulleys in the Little Theatre.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Werner to approve the Thomas Company proposal, in the amount of $9,643.00, for a new furnace and air conditioner in the storage building at the new middle school.  All Ayes.  The motion carried. 

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Wiese to approve the Douglas Sports Equipment quote, in the amount of $7,599.20, for softball and baseball windbreaks.  STC Boosters will pay $4,600.00 towards this cost.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.  

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Werner to approve the Access Elevator & Lifts, Inc. Bid, in the amount of $20,385.00, to install a Garaventa Opal Vertical Platform Lift in the Little Theatre to provide ADA accessibility to the stage.   All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Wiese to approve the Fair-Play quote, in the amount of $34,290.00, for a new scoreboard at the high school stadium.  Coke Distributors and STC Boosters will be contributing towards the cost of this project.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Dolezal, second by Wiese to approve the ISG Invoice, in the amount of $151,406.37, for design and development.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Wiese to approve the second reading of the following policies:  403.03 R1 - Communicable Diseases - Employees - Regulation and 705.04 (formerly known as 804.07) - Expenditures for Public Purpose.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to approve the temporary assistant high school volleyball coaching position for the Fall of 2023.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Wiese to approve the JMC invoices, in the amounts of $7,503.72, $6,802.04, and $9,293.72, for the high school, middle school and elementary, respectively.  All Ayes.  The motion carried. 

Motion by Wiese, second by Werner to set the Public Hearing date for the 2022-2023 Certified Budget Amendment as Monday, May 22, 2023, at 7:30 a.m., at the STC Administration Center.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Werner to approve the Really Great Reading quote, in the amount of $8,509.50, for the 2023-2024 subscription and workbooks.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to approve the change in the 2022-2023 calendar.  4.75 hours are needed to be added to the student calendar.  STC will utilize 1.0 hours on May 25th and 3.75 hours on May 26th.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

ISG has met with the interior team for finishes and the technology team to identify needs for the new middle school.  May 22, 2023 at 7:45 am the last page turn meeting will be held for the project. 

Superintendent Cain thanked the Board for their service in observance of School Board Recognition Month.  Superintendent Cain presented each of the Board members with a certificate and treat. 

The Board reviewed the Superintendent evaluation forms.

Superintendent Cain and a few Board members shared what they learned at the Summit on Student Success. 

The Board reviewed the personnel openings as of April 27, 2023.

Superintendent Cain reviewed the vulnerability assessment with the Board.  The district will receive $50,000.00 per building with this funding.  The District is looking at different ways to utilize these funds where needed, while also looking at the future. 

Superintendent Cain reported Team “White House” will be celebrating all of the staff with a staff appreciation grill out at each building over the next couple of weeks.  Looking ahead, a meeting will be set up with all parties involved with the School Resource Officer position to review the role and also look at the next steps for the District.       

Motion by Wiese, second by Dolezal to adjourn the meeting at 6:25 p.m.  All Ayes.

Immediately following the regular meeting, the Board went into exempt session per Iowa Code 21.9 to discuss strategy relating to employment conditions of employees covered by a Collective Bargaining Agreement.

 

Mandy Lekin, Board President                             Katie Mathern, 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 15, 2023 for a Regular Session at the Partnership Center, 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, Penny Tyynismaa, and Clint Werner.  Quorum Present.   Beth Wiese joined at 5:03 p.m.  Also present were: Superintendent John Cain, Board Secretary Katie Mathern, Marilyn Rippy, Mary Mixdorf, Toledo Chief of Police - Dan Quigley, Jill Kienzle, Nick Vesely, Dixie Forcht, Rob Boley, Brad Schweppe, Emma Johnson, Emeri Krueger, Melody Cole, Alice Koch, Joy Schirmer, Jonathan Meyer with the Tama-Toledo News Chronicle, and members of the community through Google Hangouts.

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

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Werner to approve the following consent agenda items: minutes from the
May 1,  2023 regular Board meeting, bills for payment as presented, financial statements,  and early graduation request for Ashleigh Finch - January 2024.  All Ayes.  The motion carried. 

Public Comments – A few elementary staff members voiced their concern on cutting a 1st grade section.

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

Hires:  Addison Krueger - 5th Grade Teacher

Resignations:  Glory Meyer - English Language Arts Teacher, Britt Mitchell - English Language Arts Teacher, Bridget Diveney - Costumer, and Riley Barrett - District Substitute (Middle School Focused) & 7/8th Grade Physical Education,

Transfers:  George Kuhter from 7th Grade Social Studies Teacher to 8th Grade Social Studies Teacher

Officials:  Ibrahim Sabanagic - HS Soccer, Daniel Hawkins - HS Baseball, Braden Alberts - HS Baseball, David Nitz - HS Baseball, Billy Yuska - HS Baseball, Caleb Grave - HS Baseball, Andre Verdendaal - HS Baseball, Greg Davis - HS Baseball, Ty Kelderman - HS Baseball, Ryan Willis - HS Baseball, Steve Schmidt - HS Baseball, C. Richard Stockner - HS Baseball, John Leonhart - HS Baseball, Mark Beerends - HS Baseball, Keith Rath - HS Baseball/Softball, Brad Friest - HS Softball, Daniel Miller - HS Softball, Brad Thiel - HS Softball, Tiffany Thiessen - HS Softball, Keith Hawkins - HS Softball, Myron Jack - HS Softball, Keith Schmitz - HS Softball, Jed Hammen - HS Softball, Justin Wells - HS Softball, Mike Vint - HS Softball, Michael Spurlin - HS Softball, David Mohr - HS Softball and Richard Sebring - HS Softball

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to approve the sign language interpreter position for a student with an IEP.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Wiese to approve the Goodheart-Wilcox Publisher quote, in the amount of $17,469.01, for the health curriculum adoption without the sex education portion.  All Ayes.  The motion carried. 

Motion by Dolezal, second by Werner to approve using RC Systems for cameras and fobs at certain buildings, pending additional information and using the vulnerability assessment funds.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.  

Motion by Wiese, second by Dolezal to approve the TRIO overnight trips on June 20-22 to Des Moines and July 18-21 to Madison, Wisconsin.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Dolezal, second by Wiese to approve the Software Unlimited invoice, in the amount of $8,950.00, for the District accounting software.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Wiese to approve the SHI invoice, in the amount of $22,307.81, for the JAMF PRO renewal and subscription license.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Wiese, second by Tyynismaa to approve Tanager Place invoice, in the amount of $7,500.00, for mental health services.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Wiese, second by Dolezal to approve The Math Learning Center quote, in the amount of $7,920.00, for replenishing math consumables.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Dolezal, second by Wiese to approve the ESSER funding contract incentive.  Those staff members who turn in their 2023-2024 contract within 7 days of the issuance will receive pay of two days per diem on his/her September 5, 2023 paycheck.  District nurses will receive pay of four days per diem on their September 5, 2023 paycheck.  All Ayes except Tyynismaa, who abstained.  The motion carried. 

Motion by Dolezal, second by Wiese to table the redistricting of the director districts.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Mr. Boley presented ISASP and ACT results to the Board.  Jill Kienzle and Nick Vesely presented on the iJAG program at STC.  Students are learning how to get and maintain jobs.  The instructors have been reviewing the job process with the students.  In addition, the students have taken field trips to learn about different careers available.

Superintendent Cain and Dan Quigley informed the Board, the development of a School Resource Officer at STC is getting closer to being completed.  It should be communicated soon as to if funding has been secured through the Mansfield Grant to help with the cost among all organizations.  Operational sharing will also be available and utilized, starting in the 2024-2025 school year.  The Board would like to see the City of Toledo and the City of Tama on board before posting the position for hire.

Superintendent Cain provided an update to the Board on K-12 enrollment and enrollment trends.  The Board discussed and determined to reassess the class size situation and data next year and to develop a plan/policy in the next six months the Board can stand behind in order to evaluate data and trends to make crucial decisions with classes, while remaining fiscally responsible. 

The interior work is coming along with the new middle school project.  A small group took a tour of the building to see the work being completed. 

Superintendent Cain presented posters from the kindergarten classes, to the Board members in honor of School Board Recognition Month.  These posters thanked the Board members for their commitment to the District.  

The Board reviewed the personnel openings as of May 12, 2023.

Superintendent Cain discussed the book study with the Board.  He also would like to see a Board retreat, involving administrators and directors at some point this summer.  The Board is to get him dates of what would work best to meet on the book study. 

The Board discussed the upcoming vacancy in District 3 on the Board at the end of June.  Katie Mathern will get the proper documentation published in the paper, asking for those interested to contact her at the Administration Office by June 9th.       

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Wiese to go into exempt session at 7:45 p.m.  All Ayes.

The Board went into exempt session per Iowa Code 21.9 to discuss strategy relating to employment conditions of employees not covered by a Collective Bargaining Agreement. 

The exempt session ended at 8:15 p.m.

The Board went into closed session at 8:15 p.m. pursuant to Iowa Code 21.5(1)(i)  - Superintendent Evaluation.  All Ayes. 

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to come out of closed session at 9:13 p.m.  All Ayes.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Werner to adjourn the meeting at 9:14 p.m.  All Ayes.

 

Mandy Lekin, Board President                             Katie Mathern, 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 May 22, 2023 for a Special Session at the Administration Center, Tama, Iowa at 7:30 a.m.

On call of the roll the following were present:  Mandy Lekin, Penny Tyynismaa, Clint Werner, and  Beth Wiese. Elizabeth Dolezal joined the meeting at 7:31 a.m.  Quorum Present. Also present were: Superintendent John Cain, Board Secretary Katie Mathern, and members from the community on Google Hangouts.

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

Public Comments - None

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Wiese to set the new Public Hearing date for the Amendment to the 2022-2023 Certified Budget to Monday, June 12, 2023, at 7:30 a.m., at the Administration Center.  All Ayes.  The motion carried. 

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Werner to approve the new Director Redistricting Maps.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Dolezal, second by Tyynismaa to approve the classified staff and administrative/director contracts as presented for the 2023-2024 school year.  Classified staff will receive 3.5% added to the base of their salary schedules and 3.5% added to their pay if not on a salary schedule.  The partnership secretary position will move one lane.  The superintendent secretary position will go from hourly to salaried.  Administrators and directors will receive a 3.5% increase.  Building administrators, Director of Student Services, and Director of Food Service will move from an 11-month contract to a 12-month contract (223 work days, 25 vacation days, and 12 holidays = 260 days.  Five days of vacation may be carried over each year.)  The superintendent contract will be renewed with a 2-year contract, a 3.5% increase, and 15 vacation days.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Dolezal, second by Wiese to approve the Dave Schmitt Construction bid proposal, in the amount of $25,347.00, for clearing and grubbing of trees at the new middle school location.  Ayes:  Lekin, Dolezal, Tyynismaa, and Wiese  Nays:  Werner  The motion carried.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Wiese to adjourn the meeting at 7:46 a.m.  All Ayes.

 

Mandy Lekin, Board President                             Katie Mathern, 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 May 23, 2023 for a Special Session at the Administration Center, Tama, Iowa at 7:30 a.m.

On call of the roll the following were present:  Mandy Lekin, Elizabeth Dolezal, Penny Tyynismaa, Clint Werner, and  Beth Wiese. Quorum Present. Also present were: Superintendent John Cain, Board Secretary Katie Mathern, and members from the community on Google Hangouts.

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

Public Comments - None

Motion by Dolezal, second by Wiese to approve the certified contracts with an increase of 3.5% to the base for the 2023-2024 school year.  The starting salary will be at step 6 and the District will accept years of service for hires.  All Ayes.  The motion carried. 

Motion by Dolezal, second by Werner to approve the change in the number of contract days for the Activities Secretary position from 260 to 255 and 15  days of vacation for the Director of Finance for the 2023-2024 school year.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Wiese, second by Dolezal to approve the TLC contracts at the current year’s amounts for the 2023-2024 school year.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Dolezal, second by Werner to adjourn the meeting at 7:41 a.m.  All Ayes.

 

Mandy Lekin, Board President                             Katie Mathern, Board Secretary    

 

WORK AND 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 in a Work Session on June 5, 2023 at the Partnership Center, Tama, Iowa at 4:30 p.m., prior to the Regular Session.

On call of the roll the following were present:  Mandy Lekin, Elizabeth Dolezal, Penny Tyynismaa, Clint Werner, and Beth Wiese.  Absent:  None.  Quorum Present.  Also present were:  John Cain and other administrators.

The Board and administrators discussed a book they are completing a book study on.  Next work session for the book study will be on June 19, 2023 at 4:30 p.m. at the Partnership Center, Tama, Iowa. 

The Board of Directors of the Community School District of South Tama County met on June 5, 2023 for a Regular Session at the Partnership Center, 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, Penny Tyynismaa, Clint Werner, and Beth Wiese.  Quorum Present.   Also present were: Superintendent John Cain, Board Secretary Katie Mathern, Marilyn Rippy, Sam Peska, Kris Collins, Brad Schweppe, Matt Zmolek with Assured Insurance Services, Rob Boley, Jonathan Meyer with the Tama-Toledo News Chronicle, and members of the community through Google Hangouts.

Motion Dolezal, second by Tyynismaa to approve the agenda with the removal of action item B.  RC Systems and Fobs,  C.  ISG Change Order Proposals and discussion item B.  Safe Track Safety App Demonstration.  All Ayes.  The motion carried. 

Motion by Wiese, second by Tyynismaa to approve the following consent agenda items: minutes from the
May 15,  2023 regular Board meeting with the change of the dollar amount for the health curriculum , minutes from the May 22, 2023 special meeting, May 23, 2023 special meeting, bills for payment as presented, and tabling of early graduation requests.  All Ayes.  The motion carried. 

Public Comments – None.

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

Hires:  Maci Fritz - 5th Grade Teacher, Rhonda Ricker - Academic Interventionist (Elementary), Stephanie Kaftan - 7th Grade Social Studies, Ellen Moran - English Language Arts, Amy Dolash - Temporary Assistant Volleyball Coach, and Rubi Pesina - ELL Paraeducator

Resignations:  Sarah Weierman - HS Assistant Girls Soccer, Emilee Bean - 4th Grade Teacher, Olivia Gannaway - Elementary Paraeducator, Margarita Moreno - Elementary Food Service, Bridget Diveney - Family Consumer Science Teacher, Sandra Tracy - HS ELL Teacher, Joe Miller - 7-12 Trojan Academy Teacher, Hannah Mullen - Preschool Teacher, Leah Fonua - ⅞ Grade Assistant Volleyball Coach, Connor McKibben - MS Head Boys Soccer Coach, Alison Galvez - HS At-Risk Counselor, Marilyn Rippy - Elementary Music Teacher, Jay Hoskey - 8th Grade Assistant Football Coach, and Jordan Bowers - District Wide Sub-Elementary Focused

Officials:  James Hall - MS Baseball, Chase Gustafson - MS Baseball, Gavin Bridgewater - MS Baseball, and Hayden Morris - MS Baseball

Motion by Dolezal, second by Werner to approve the 2023 - 2024 Property Casualty and Work Comp Insurance with Iowa Public School Insurance Program, in the amount of $532,165.14.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Dolezal, second by Werner to approve the Herc-U-Lift work order estimate, in the amount of $2,629.53, for repairs to the scissor lift.  All Ayes.  The motion carried. 

Motion by Wiese, second by Tyynismaa to approve the Goodheart-Willcox Publisher quote, in the amount of $16,849.57, for the 9-12 comprehensive health curriculum with the essential +1 teacher’s license.  Ayes:  Lekin, Tyynismaa, and Wiese.  Nays:  Dolezal and Werner. The motion carried.  

Motion by Dolezal, second by Tyynismaa to table the Lexia Adoption.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Wiese, second by Tyynismaa to approve the Lexia Quote, in the amount of $28,685.00, for LETRS Participant Materials.  Six thousand dollars will be used from Special Education funds and the remainder will be used from Professional Development funds.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Wiese to approve the Frontline invoice, in the amount of $19,906.36, for the absence and time program.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Werner to table the Makita cordless vacuum quote until more information is received.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to approve the Garling Construction Application and Certificate for Payment, in the amount of $256,571.25, for bid package 1.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Mr. Schweppe provided an end of the year report to the Board on the elementary.  The elementary had a 92.8% average daily attendance this year.  The kindergarten - 4th grade goal for majors and minors was 500 or less.  For the 2022-2023 school year, there were 529 behavior referrals.  The concern with this is the time away from the student’s learning environment.  With the Satchel Pulse results, 80% of the questions were answered.  The highest-rated categories with this survey were meaningful work and relationship with colleagues. 

Mrs. Peska provided an end of the year report to the Board on the Student Services.  For 2022-2023, 255 of 1242 students received special education services.  STC is currently in need of a K-4 Level 3 Special Education Teacher, 7-12 grade Trojan Academy Special Education Teacher, and a High School Level 3 Special Education Teacher.  For 2022-2023, 205 of 1242 students received ELL services.  STC is currently in need of a 5-8 grade ELL Teacher and two 9-12 grade ELL Teachers. 

The Board reviewed the personnel openings as of June 2, 2023.

Superintendent Cain reported to the Board the School Resource Officer position is posted.  He will be meeting with Dan Quigley, the City of Toledo Chief of Police to review the 28E agreement.  The book study went well and the next book study discussion will be on June 19th prior to the Board meeting.  The end of year brunch went very well.  Mr. Cain is excited about the 2023-2024 professional development action plans.  A one-page document is being created for each goal. 

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Wiese to adjourn the regular meeting at 6:24 p.m.

The Board went into closed session at 6:27 p.m. pursuant to Iowa Code 21.5(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 6:47 p.m.  All Ayes.  

The Board went into closed session at 6:47 p.m. pursuant to Iowa Code 21.5(1)(e) to discuss whether to conduct a hearing or to conduct hearings to suspend or expel a student, unless an open session is requested by the student or a parent or guardian of the student if the student is a minor.  All Ayes. 

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Wiese to come out of closed session at 7:00 p.m.  All Ayes.

 

Mandy Lekin, Board President                             Katie Mathern, 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 June 12, 2023 for a Special Session at the Administration Center, Tama, Iowa at 7:30 a.m.

On call of the roll the following were present:  Mandy Lekin, Elizabeth Dolezal, Penny Tyynismaa, Clint Werner, and  Beth Wiese. Quorum Present. Also present were: Superintendent John Cain, Board Secretary Katie Mathern, Steve McAdoo, and members from the community on Google Hangouts.

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

Public Hearing - President Lekin opened the Public Hearing for the 2022-2023 Certified Budget Amendment at 7:30 a.m.  Director of Finance Katie Mathern reviewed the budget amendment for $1,600,000.  Mrs. Mathern explained the amendment was due to ESSER expenditures and the Middle School Construction project.  Mrs. Mathern 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 7:31 a.m.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

The Special Session was called to order at 7:31 a.m.

On call of the roll the following were present:  Mandy Lekin, Elizabeth Dolezal, Penny Tyynismaa, Clint Werner, and  Beth Wiese. Quorum Present. Also present were: Superintendent John Cain, Board Secretary Katie Mathern, Steve McAdoo, and members from the community on Google Hangouts.

Public Comments - None

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Wiese to approve the 2022-2023 Certified Budget Amendment as presented.  All Ayes.  The motion carried. 

Motion by Dolezal, second by Tyynismaa to approve the Garling Construction Change Order, in the amount of $6,300.83 for bid package 1.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Wiese, second by Dolezal to approve the HD Supply quote, in the amount of $9,755.50, for 10 Makita vacuums.  These vacuums will be purchased with ESSER funds.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Wiese to approve the RC Systems bid, in the amount of $148,816.52, for cameras and fabs for the high school and bus barn.  These will be paid for with the funding from the vulnerability assessment.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Wiese to go into close session at 7:42 a.m. pursuant to Iowa Code 21.5(1)(a) to review or discuss records which are required or authorized by state or federal law to be kept confidential.  Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Wiese to come out of closed session at 7:49 a.m.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Wiese to adjourn the meeting at 7:49 a.m.  All Ayes.

 

Mandy Lekin, Board President                             Katie Mathern, Board Secretary    

 

WORK AND 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 in a Work Session on June 19, 2023 at the Partnership Center, Tama, Iowa at 4:30 p.m., prior to the Regular Session.

On call of the roll the following were present:  Mandy Lekin, Elizabeth Dolezal, Penny Tyynismaa, Clint Werner, and Beth Wiese.  Absent:  None.  Quorum Present.  Also present were:  John Cain and other administrators.

The Board and administrators discussed a book they are completing a book study on. 

The Board of Directors of the Community School District of South Tama County met on June 19, 2023 for a Regular Session at the Partnership Center, 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, Penny Tyynismaa, Clint Werner, and Beth Wiese.  Quorum Present.   Also present were: Superintendent John Cain, Board Secretary Katie Mathern, Marilyn Rippy, Sam Peska, Rob Boley, Ben Adams, Amy Karg, Scott Bolen, Chris Gustafson, Megan Thiessen, Ben Steele with Lincoln Savings Bank, Jared Schirmer with Lincoln Savings Bank, Stephany Hanes with Lincoln Savings Bank, Jeff Niedermann, Joe Miller, Jonathan Meyer with the Tama-Toledo News Chronicle, and members of the community through Google Hangouts.

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

Motion by Dolezal, second by Werner to approve the following consent agenda items: minutes from the
June 5, 2023 regular Board meeting; minutes from the June 12, 2023 special meeting; bills for payment as presented; Meskwaki Convention Center Contract for opening day; Scharnweber Backflow Test Report; Tanager Business Agreement; and early graduation requests for Mary Kate Frakes - January 2024, Gloria Mullen - January 2024, Marian Martinez - January 2024, Juan Manuel Romo, Jr. - January 2024, and Catarina Morales - January 2024.  All Ayes.  The motion carried. 

Public Comments – None.

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

Hires:  Jim Hala - Preschool Route Driver, Vanessa Valdovinos - Preschool ELL Paraeducator, Melody Vallente - Computer Science and Business Teacher, Tara Hansen - High School ELL Teacher, and Yessenia Cervantes - ELL K-4 Paraeducator

Lead Teacher Contracts for the 2023-2024 School year:  Maggie Jesina - Preschool, Jennifer Anderson - Kindergarten, Melody Cole - 1st Grade, Missy Jesina - 2nd Grade, Tasha Becker - 3rd Grade, Amy Parizek - 4th Grade, Tiffany Bridgewater - ELL, Amy Wyatt - Special Education, Ashley Raue - 5th Grade, Michelle Wiegand - 6th Grade, Ashley Stevens - Math, Paula Graves - Science, Amy Stotts - Literacy, George Kuhter - Social Studies, Jeanette Stacey - Special Education, Stephanie Lane - Specialist, Robert Tyynismaa - Math, Dan Lopez - Guidance, Victoria Hamilton - Language, Dixie Forcht - TAG, Kelle Johannsen - Special Education, Rachel Davis - Literacy, Danny Mayo - Science, Emily Chyma - Social Studies, Marsha Keahna - Physical Education

Resignations:  Todd Dale - Health Teacher and Head Frosh Football Coach

Transfers:  Levi Klopping from Assistant MS Boys Soccer to Head MS Boys Soccer and Kodi Hillman from Head 7th Grade Girls Basketball to Head 8th Grade Girls Basketball

Officials:  Nick Upah - MS Baseball, Cole Johnson - HS Baseball/Softball, Brian Sauser - HS Baseball/Softball, Skylar Hanford - HS Baseball/Softball, and Tyrus Clegg - MS Baseball

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Werner to approve an Assistant Football Cheerleading Coach position.  This will be a Level 5 position on the salary schedule.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Wiese to approve the Activities/Events Emergency Action Plans as presented.  All Ayes.  The motion carried. 

Two interested candidates, Chris Gustafson and Megan Thiessen, were given the opportunity to answer three questions in front of the STC Board of Education to fill the District 3 vacancy on the Board.  All candidates were asked the following questions:  Tell us about your desire to serve on the board and the experience you have to contribute.  What is the most important issue facing public education today?  What is the thing you are proudest of in our district?

The Board discussed the qualities of these two candidates

Motion by Werner, second by Dolezal to appoint Megan Thiessen for the upcoming District 3 position on the Board.  Ayes:  Lekin, Dolezal, Tyynismaa, and Werner.  Nays:  Wiese.  The motion carried.  Oath of Office will be taken at the next Board meeting. 

Motion by Werner, second by Wiese to approve the long term investments options presented for STC’s current bond proceeds being held at Lincoln Savings Bank.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.  

Motion by Dolezal, second by Wiese to approve Change Order Number 002 and 003, in the amount of -$16,230.13 and $84,590.00 respectively, for the Middle School project.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Dolezal to approve the invoice from Iowa State Fire Marshal Division, in the amount of $10,588.00, for the Architectural Plan Review.  Ayes:  Lekin, Dolezal, Tynnismaa, and Wiese  Nays:  Werner.  The motion carried.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Werner to approve a $15.00 per month cell phone stipend for the Assistant Business Manager, Accounting Generalist, and Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent positions.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Dolezal, second by Wiese to approve the Community Eligibility Provisions monthly federal reimbursement program for the Elementary and Partnership.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Dolezal, second by Werner to approve the one-year quote from Lexia Learning Systems, in the amount of $10,500.00, for the Lexia Core5 Reading/PowerUp Literacy Unlimited School Subscription renewal.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Dolezal, second by Tyynismaa to approve the Assured Partners invoice, in the amount of $24,000.00, for the 2023-2024 service fee.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Werner to approve the Doors Inc. quote, in the amount of $12,989.00, for a door for the Little Theater.  All Ayes.  The motion carried. 

Motion by Dolezal, second by Wiese to approve the Garling Construction application and certificate for payment, in the amount of $732,576.54, for pay application 02.  All Ayes.  The motion carried. 

Motion by Dolezal, second by Wiese to approve the 2023-2024 Board meeting dates as presented with the omission of July 3, 2023.  Board meetings will resume on the first and third Monday of every month.  All Ayes.  The motion carried. 

Motion by Wiese, second by Werner to approve the first reading of Board Policy 401.07 (formerly known as 404.03):  Employee Travel Compensation.  All Ayes.  The motion carried. 

Superintendent Cain gave an update on the Middle School.  Trees have been removed at the new Middle School site.  Bid package #2 is in progress and the public notice has been published.   

Superintendent Cain shared the SIAC goals and what strategic anchor each focus area is meeting.  Ultimately, the Board goal is to collaboratively provide each group with one or two goals for next year. 

Mrs. Mathern spoke to the Board about the need for a new band trailer and discussed different financial options.  The Board would like to see other methods of financing this purchase be pursued.

Superintendent Cain reviewed the updates/changes on the following 2023 - 2024 handbooks:  Elementary, Middle School, High School, Partnership, Activities, Certified, and Substitute.  Mr. Cain asked the Board to look over these handbooks before the next Board meeting, as it will be brought back as an action item. 

Principal Boley reviewed the current graduation requirements and presented different ideas on increasing these requirements.

It has been requested to use the Trojan logo on the Tama fire trucks.  The Board is okay with this use of the Trojan logo. 

The Administrative Board Retreat will be on August 8, 2023 from 4:30 - 7:30 p.m.

The Safe Track team demonstrated how the safety application works.  A proposal will be brought to the Board at the July 17th meeting.     

Principal Adams and Principal Bolen gave an end of the year report on the Middle School.  The Middle School had 426 students attending.  The Middle School had a 93.76% average daily attendance this year.  Ninety-one percent of students had fewer than two referrals.  Seventy-two percent of the 7th grade students participated in school-sponsored activities, while 78% of 8th grade students participated in school-sponsored activities.  The emphasis on not allowing cell phone use at school went very well. 

Principal Boley gave an end of the year report on the High School.  The enrollment at the high school was 469 students.  One hundred eleven students graduated, including three from the Partnership Center.  Thirty-six percent of students at the High School and Partnership Center were present 95% of the time.  This includes all absences.  383 of 483 students were involved in at least one school-sponsored activity in the year.  97 of 111 seniors who graduated completed at least one college application. 

The Board reviewed Personnel openings as of June 16, 2023.

Superintendent Cain reported the Board/Administration book study will pick back up in August.  A new Middle School updated timeline was reviewed with the Board.  A public hearing will be held at the July 17th Board meeting and on July 18, 2023 the pre-bid contractors meeting will be held.  School Resource Officer interviews will be held soon.  The administrative team worked at the Tama County Food Bank this past week.  It was a great experience and opportunity for the community.  Mr. Cain is working on converting STC’s Strategic Plan into a “one-pager”.  This can be used in many ways this coming school year.

Mr. Cain presented Penny Tyynismaa with a Lifetime Activity Pass and a cake in appreciation for her time serving on the Board.  “Penny Trivia” was played with questions about Penny and her involvement with STC. 

Motion by Wiese, second by Dolezal to adjourn the regular meeting at 8:12 p.m.

 

Mandy Lekin, Board President                             Katie Mathern, 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 June 29, 2023 for a Special Session at the Administration Center, Tama, Iowa at 7:30 a.m.

On call of the roll the following were present:  Elizabeth Dolezal, Penny Tyynismaa, and Clint Werner.  Quorum Present. Mandy Lekin was absent and Beth Wiese joined the meeting via phone at 7:35 a.m.  Also present were: Superintendent John Cain, Board Secretary Katie Mathern, and members from the community on Google Hangouts.  Elizabeth Dolezal acted as chairperson.

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

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Werner to approve the following consent agenda items:  bills for payment as presented and the Satchel Pulse agreement.  All Ayes.  The motion carried. 

Public Comments - None

Motion by Werner, second by Wiese to approve the following personnel requests.  All Ayes except for Tyynismaa who abstained.  The motion carried. 

Hires:  Amy McCabe - Elementary Librarian, Cecilie Harrison - Middle School TAG Teacher, Jessica Pfantz - Middle School ELL Teacher, Sheri Berry - At-Risk Counselor, Hayley Lillibridge - K-4 Special Education Paraeducator, and Andrew Walton - District Wide Sub (Middle School - Focused)/Middle School Part-time PE

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Werner to approve the two ISG invoices, in the amounts of $213,750.25 and $227,109.35, for construction documents, bidding, and construction admin/close-out.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Werner to approve the Sterling quote, in the amount of $6,314.50, for 25 Dell Chromebooks.  This will be paid for out of ESSER funds.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Werner to approve the Varsity order, in the amount of $5,537.45, for 19 cheerleader uniforms.  All Ayes.  The motion carried. 

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Werner to approve the proposal for activity passes for 2023-2024:  PreK-4th grade - $25.00/annual, 5th-12th grade - $50.00/annual, adult ten punch - $50.00, adult annual - $90.00, and family pass - $250.00 (include everyone in the household).  All Ayes.  The motion carried. 

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Werner to approve The Strengthening Center invoice, in the amount of $7,788.53, for BHIS for May and June.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Werner to approve Tanager Place invoice, in the amount of $7,500.00, for mental health support services.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Werner to approve giving the business office authorization to pay additional payments for fiscal year 2023, as are due and payable.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Werner to approve the second reading of Board Policy 401.07 (formerly known as 404.03):  Employee Travel Compensation.  All Ayes.  The motion carried. 

Motion by Tyynismaa, second by Werner to adjourn the meeting at 7:49 a.m.  All Ayes.

 

Mandy Lekin, Board President                             Katie Mathern, Board Secretary