2025.05.27 Public Hearing, Regular and Closed Session
2025.05.27 Public Hearing, Regular and Closed SessionOF 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 27, 2025 for a Public Hearing on the 2024-2025 Certified Budget Amendment at the Partnership Center, Tama, Iowa at 5:00 p.m. with some members of the community attending electronically through Google Hangouts.
On call of the roll the following were present: Elizabeth Dolezal, Rick Hopper, Joe Hanus, and Beth Wiese. Absent: Megan Thiessen Quorum Present. Also present were: Superintendent John Cain, Acting Board Secretary Amber Robson, Brad Schweppe, Jon Huebner, Jonathan Meyer, Keely Upah, Ben Adams, Emily Chyma, Diane Kesl, Matt Kesl, Dixie Forcht, Sam Peska, and members of the community through Google Hangouts.
Motion by Wiese, second by Hopper to approve the agenda. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Public Hearing - President Dolezal opened the Public Hearing for the 2024-2025 Certified Budget Amendment at 7:01 a.m. President Dolezal asked for public comments. Hearing none, President Dolezal asked for a motion to close the Public Hearing.
Motion by Wiese, second by Hanus to close the Public Hearing at 5:04 p.m. All Ayes. The motion carried.
The regular session was called to order at 5:04 p.m.
The Board and guests stated the “Pledge of Allegiance” and the District’s mission statement.
On call of the roll the following were present: Elizabeth Dolezal, Rick Hopper, Joe Hanus, and Beth Wiese. Absent: Megan Thiessen Quorum Present. Also present were: Superintendent John Cain, Acting Board Secretary Amber Robson, Brad Schweppe, Jon Huebner, Jonathan Meyer, Keely Upah, Ben Adams, Emily Chyma, Diane Kesl, Matt Kesl, Dixie Forcht, Sam Peska, and members of the community through Google Hangouts.
Motion by Wiese, second by Hopper to approve the agenda with the removal of Leti Babinat, Dixie Forcht, and Hilary Port from TLC contracts and Ryan Hansen from hires under action item #1. Personnel. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Public Comment - Emily Chyma expressed her disappointment regarding the loss of Skyler Steveson from the District. Diane Kesl raised a concern regarding long-term substitute pay, specifically how compensation is determined for substitutes serving consecutive days in the same assignment. Dixie Forcht offered positive recognition for the School Board.
Motion by Wiese, second by Hanus to approve the following consent agenda items: minutes of the May 6, 2025 Closed Session, minutes of the May 12, 2025 Regular Meeting, minutes of the May 12, 2025 Community Work Session, bills for payment as presented, financials, Food Service Agreement with Mid Iowa Community Action, and a Contract for Transfer of State Funding with Central Rivers AEA. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Kim Schutterle, LISW School-Based Therapist, is serving 53 students with 7 on a waitlist and noted high needs in depression and anxiety. Services are billed through insurance, with some equity funding available. She recommended exploring additional proactive mental health resources.
Ben Adams presented for the middle school on attendance, behavior data, cell phone use, safety drills, student activity participation, ISASP data, and upcoming moving dates.
Brad Schweppe and Jon Huebner presented for the elementary on the ESSA Action Plan, 2024-25 enrollment (530), and key data including attendance, discipline, and academic progress. They highlighted increased preschool numbers (59), safety drills, and the use of a state-funded reading assistant program. ESSA goals focus on leadership and universal instruction, with time audits leading to schedule adjustments for ELL and special education students.
Superintendent Cain shared key dates, including the last day of school and Retirement Tea on June 4, Student Success Summit on June 11, and noted State Golf and Track participants. The strategic plan was sent to the AEA for design, and long-term sub changes will be addressed in July.
The Board reviewed the District’s open positions.
Superintendent Cain sought guidance on handling late open enrollment applications, with an action item scheduled for the July meeting.
The Board reviewed the Native American Education Plan and the Native American Equal Participation Assessment.
Board recognition was postponed due to Thiessen’s absence, with plans to take a Board picture at the next meeting; cake was provided for the Board to enjoy.
Exit interviews will be conducted using a Google form sent to all departing staff.
Motion by Wiese, second by Hanus to approve the following personnel requests with the removal of Leti Babinat, Dixie Forcht, and Hilary Port from TLC contracts and Ryan Hansen from hires. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Hires: Edgar Tapia - Middle School Physical Education Teacher, Tyler Fulks - Summer Custodial Help, Sue Kaloupek - Summer Custodial Help, Josh Strong - Summer Custodial Help, Timm Chandonia - Summer Custodial Help, David King - Summer Custodial Help, Edgar Tapia - Head High School Cross Country Coach, and Edgar Tapia - Head High School Boys Track Coach
Resignations: Kelsea Anderson - 4th Grade Teacher
Officials: Paul Lassance - High School Soccer
BLT Contracts: Natasha Becker, Emily Chyma, Jill Dilly, Brintley Elsbury, Leah Fonua, Dixie Forcht, Crystal Hass, Dawn Henley, Kelle Johannsen, Morgan McFate, Amy Parizek, Dustin Peska, Ashley Steven, Tammy Weiss, and Jessica Wilkerson
ESSA Lead Contracts: Bailey Barnes, Samantha Boldt, Nate Doran, Dixie Forcht, Paula Graves, Emma Johnson, Dustin Peska, Ashley Raue, Megan Rosenberger, Audrey Roth, Kelli Smith, Jeanette Stacey, Ashley Steven, Amy Stotts, Madison Winkelman, and Deanna Zmolek
PLC Contracts: Taylor Brown, Nate Doran, Paula Graves, Victoria Hamilton, Craig Harrison, Maggie Jesina, Missy Jesina, Emeri Krueger, Hana Kucera, Travis McBride, Ashley Raue, Audrey Roth, Teresa Smith, Ashley Steven, Amy Stotts, Anita Townsley, and Deanna Zmolek
Special Education Leads: Kelle Johannsen, Dustin Peska, Jeanette Stacey, and Amy Wyatt
Trojan Way Leads: Emily Chyma, Paula Graves, and Anita Townsley
Motion by Hopper, second by Wiese to approve ISG Invoice #117938, in the amount of $30,707.60, for survey and general site conditions verification, design plans and specs, SWPPP permitting, and reimbursables. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Wiese, second by Hopper to approve ISG Invoice #117937, in the amount of $12,660.40, for performance testing and reimbursables - commissioning. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Wiese, second by Hanus to approve the additional fundraiser for Band/Color Guard to sell Scratch Cupcakes for new Color Guard uniforms. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Wiese, second by Hanus to approve the CrisisGo quote, in the total contract value of $35,395.00 over 5 years, for a crisis preparation and response platform. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Wiese, second by Hopper to approve the STC Indian Policies and Procedures, with the suggested changes, including renaming them STC Native American Policies and Procedures. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Hopper, second by Wiese to approve the 2024-2025 Certified Budget Amendment as presented. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Hopper, second by Hanus to approve the 2025-2026 School Board Meeting dates. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Wiese, second by Hopper to approve the June 2025 Board meeting times to 7:L00 a.m. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Wiese, second by Hanus to approve 95% Group quote, in the amount of $5,723.60, for professional learning and products. All Ayes. The motion carried. This will be paid for out of Title I: Section 1003 Funding for School Improvement.
Motion by Wiese, second by Hopper to approve the second reading of Policy 407.06 - Employee Early Retirement. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Mr. Cain reviewed upcoming events with the Board. June 4, 2025 is the Retirement Tea and Service Awards at 2:00 p.m.
Each Board member presented a “positive” they have witnessed in the District or their role as a Board member.
Motion by Wiese, second by Hopper to enter into Closed Session at 7:10 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 a closed session is 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 Hanus to come out of Closed Session at 8:18 p.m.
The next regular Board meeting will be on Monday, June 9, 2025, at 7:00 a.m., at the Partnership Center, Tama IA.
Motion by Hopper, second by Wiese to adjourn the meeting at 8:19 p.m.
Elizabeth Dolezal, Board President Amber Robson, Acting Board Secretary