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 July 1, 2025 for a Special Session at the STC Partnership Center, Tama, Iowa at 12:00 pm.

On call of the roll the following were present:  Elizabeth Dolezal , Rick Hopper, Joe Hanus, Megan Thiessen, and Beth Wiese.  Quorum Present.  Also present were: Superintendent John Cain, Board Secretary Katie Mathern, Mary Mixdorf, Dixie Forcht, Victoria Hamilton, Audrey Roth, Chelsea Naniot, Emily Chyma, and members of the community through Google Hangouts. 

Motion by Wiese, second by Hopper to approve the agenda with the tabling of action items c. DRAFT 25-26 Certified Handbook, d. DRAFT 25-26 Classified Handbook, and e. DRAFT 25-26 Substitute Handbook of action item #2.  25-26 Handbooks and the addition of Caroline Ganzberger - 3rd Grade Teacher under hiring for action item #1.  Personnel.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Public Comment - Audrey Roth, chief negotiator for the STC Education Association, expressed concern about vague language and lack of communication regarding changes to the Certified Staff Handbook and requested Association input. 

Dixie Forcht expressed concern that the high school portion of the handbook was not fully reviewed by the ESSA committee, included unclear or missing content, and lacked clarity and due process in the Employee Code of Conduct.

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

New Hires:  David Hartman - At Risk Teacher

Resignations:  Alexia Hoffman - Elementary ELL Paraeducator

Officials:  Middle School Baseball - Jose Placencia and Eugene Ubben

PLC Lead - Jill Dilly

Motion by Wiese, second by Hanus to table the DRAFT 25-26 Student Handbook.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Wiese, second by Hanus to table the DRAFT 25-26 Activities Handbook.  All ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Thiessen, second by Hopper to approve the DRAFT 25-26 Preschool Handbook.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Thiessen, second by Hanus to approve for 2025-2026, textbook fees are set at $70 (HS), $60 (MS), and $50 (Elem) full price, with reduced rates of $28, $24, and $20 respectively.  High School students in Band, Color Guard, or Choir will be charged a $25 cleaning fee ($10 reduced).  Activity tickets will cost $25 for PK-5 and $50 for grades 6-12.  The adult lunch price will be set at $5.00.  High school meal prices will remain unchanged:  Breakfast $1.85 (Reduced $0.30), Lunch $3.00 (Reduced $0.40), and Extra Milk $0.50.  All Ayes.  The motion carried. 

Motion by Thiessen, second by Wiese to approve the two new positions - Lead Mechanic and Transportation Coordinator.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Wiese, second by Hopper to approve the Trane invoice, in the amount of $6,340.49, for the time and material to find a valve leak.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Hopper, second by Thiessen to approve the Turf Tank quote, in the amount of $17,700.00, for the Turf Tank Two Pro Package - Subscription and Upfront Implementation Cost.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Wiese, second by Hanus to adjourn the meeting at 12:41 p.m.

 

Elizabeth Dolezal, 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 July 15, 2025 for a Special Session at the STC Partnership Center, Tama, Iowa at 7:30 a.m.

On call of the roll the following were present:  Elizabeth Dolezal , Rick Hopper, Joe Hanus, and Beth Wiese via telephone.  Megan Thiessen was absent.  Quorum Present.  Also present were: Superintendent John Cain, Acting Board Secretary Amber Robson, Katie Mathern, Dixie Forcht, Steve McAdoo, and members of the community through Google Hangouts. 

Motion by Hanus, second by Hopper to approve the agenda.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Public Comment - None

Motion by Hopper, second by Hanus to approve the middle school roadway gas line, in the amount of $12,622.00, to relocate the gas main.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Hopper, second by Hanus to approve the Trane proposal, in the amount of $5,700.00, for a Mitsubishi Split System.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Hanus, second by Hopper to adjourn the meeting at 7:37 a.m.

 

Elizabeth Dolezal, Board President                      Amber Robson, Acting 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 July 28, 2025 for a Regular Session at the Partnership Center, Tama, Iowa at 7:00 a.m. with some members of the community attending electronically through Google Hangouts.  

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, and Beth Wiese.  Quorum Present.  Joe Hanus and Megan Thiessen were absent.  Also present were:  Superintendent John Cain, Acting Board Secretary Amber Robson, Mary Mixdorf, Chelsea Naniot, Shelly Riley, Karen Mixdorf, Denise Fletcher, Ellen Moran, Jon Meyer with the Tama-Toledo News Chronicle, Dixie Forcht, Steve McAdoo, Jenn Nelson, Ben Adams, Emily Chyma, Joy Schirmer, Heather Wanatee, and members of the community through Google Hangouts.

Motion by Wiese, second by Hopper to approve the agenda with the removal of the closed session.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Public Comment - Joy Schirmer addressed the Board regarding questions on the Certified Staff Handbook and salary schedule.

Motion by Hopper, second by Wiese to approve the following consent agenda items:  updated minutes of the May 27, 2025 session, minutes of the June 19, 2025 work session, minutes of the June 23, 2025 regular session, minutes of the July 1, 2025 special session, minutes of the July 15, 2025 special session, bills for payment as presented, financials, Iowa Valley Community College District Clinical Training Agreement, Iowa State University Cooperative Agreement, and the 2025-2026 Service Agreement between Central Rivers Area Education Agency and South Tama Community School District.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.  

Representatives from Connect Tama Toledo reported $237,000.00 was raised for the sidewalk project, exceeding the $217,000.00 goal.  Excess monies raised will fund maintenance and a bench.  The $942,000.00 sidewalk and pedestrian crosswalk project on Highway 63, in partnership with the City of Tama and Iowa DOT, is supported by six grants and is projected to be completed by late fall 2027. 

Dixie Forcht presented information on Advanced Placement courses, post-secondary enrollment options, concurrent enrollment, college credit opportunities, career academies (campus-based), and summer college credit.  She shared a detailed slideshow and noted scheduling with college remains a challenge for the high school.  She also outlined changes to the “work from home” option for this year.

Board members were asked to complete the RSAI Summer 2025 Legislative Issues Survey promptly.  The survey results will help determine the Board’s priorities for the upcoming year.

The valve replacements have been completed at the new middle school, and the team is currently working on balancing the system.

Amy Karg requested information on past compensation for the Student Council sponsor role.  At that time, the position was unpaid and included as part of her administrator contract.  The item will be brought to the next meeting for further discussion and possible action.

The Board discussed Strategic Plan Updates and Board & Superintendent Goals.  Lou Gvist led the June 19 retreat where goals were aligned with District Priorities.  The Board reaffirmed focus on high expectations, clear goals, and belief in all students’ success.  Lou recommended ongoing attention to these priorities and visibility to the public.

The Board continued discussion regarding the sale of the old middle school and plans to put the parcels back on the market.

The Board was informed of upcoming legislative changes including required Board training, revisions to investigation rules, updates to attendance and mental health policies, bell-to-bell instructional requirements, removal of gender identity rules, and a civics test requirement starting in 2026.  Further discussion will take place at the August meeting.

The Middle School Ribbon Cutting and Open House will be at the new South Tama County Middle School, 701 South Church Street, Toledo, IA 52342, on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at 3:30 p.m.  Join us for the ribbon cutting followed by an open house and tours until 6:00 p.m.

The Board reviewed the District openings as of July 25, 2025.

The 2025-2026 Certified and Classified Handbooks will be brought back as discussion items at the next meeting.

North Tama requested to rent gym space at the new middle school or PHS due to lack of access to their own facilities.  The proposed rental rate is $30.00 per hour.  The Board will consider this request.

Superintendent Cain reviewed upcoming meetings and legislative surveys due August 1.  Updates on HF 706 - New Open Records and Open Meeting Training Requirement for Members of Governmental Bodies was shared.  The strategic plan draft and property sales will be discussed in August.  Employee Code of Conduct and handbooks are under review.  Legislative updates continue. 

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

Hires:  Kristi Miranda - 6th Grade Literacy, Ashlee Garcia - Middle School ELL Paraprofessional, Matthew DeZwarte - Assistant Varsity Boys Basketball Coach, Matthew DeZwarte - Fall Weight Room Supervisor, Ashley Steven - Middle School Student Council Advisor

Resignations:  Deo Agustin - High School Math Teacher and Madison Cole - Basketball Cheerleading Coach

Transfers:  Annette Lacina from Preschool Paraeducator to ELL Paraeducator and Kailee Meek from Assistant 7th & 8th Grade Volleyball Coach to Head 7th Grade Volleyball Coach

Additional Contracts:  Kathy Wilkerson - ESSA Contract, Haley Mengler - BLT Contract, Maci Fritz - Mentor Contract, Bailey Chyma - Mentor Contract, Joe Hoskey - Mentor Contract, Kelle Johannsen - Mentor Contract, Nate Doran - Mentor Contract (Fall Semester Only), Hana Kucera - Mentor Contract, Melody Vallente - Mentor Contract, Kelli Smith - Mentor Contract, Deanna Zmolek - Mentor Contract, Dan Lopez - Mentor Contract, Andrea Rutledge - Mentor Contract, and Audrey Roth - Mentor Contract

Motion by Wiese, second by Hopper to approve the course proposals of Integrated IA and Integrated Science IB.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Hopper, second by Wiese to approve the following volunteers for 2025-2026:  Speech, Play & Musical - Jowanda Love, Mary Fasse-Shaw, Jeff Shaw, Colleen Probasco, Dan Quigley, Tyler Moran, and Taylor Moran; HS Band - Chris Link and Candi Link; HS Football - Josh Bly and Seth Koch; MS/HS Basketball - Larry Fletcher; HS Gamers Night - Gustavo Chavarria; D&D Roleplaying Club & Esports - Nickolas Seitz; and Esports - Roman Hill.  All Ayes.  The motion carried. 

Motion by Wiese, second by Hopper to approve the overnight trip requests as presented.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Hopper, second by Wiese to approve Garling Construction Pay Application 22, in the amount of $56,565.12, for general construction services.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Wiese, second by Hopper to approve the Eastern Iowa Excavating & Concrete, LLC Pay Application #01, in the amount of $222,547.57, for general contract work.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Hopper, second by Wiese to approve the Crisis Go add-on, in the total amount of $3,125.00, for an additional location (PHS).  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Wiese, second by Hopper to approve the Tyler Technologies invoice, in the amount of $23,860.78, for the Traversa program for the transportation department.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Wiese, second by Hopper to approve the School Bus Sales invoice, in the amount of $5,705.27, for bus parts.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Wiese, second by Hopper to approve the Street Smarts invoice, in the amount of $6,708.00, for driver’s education class.  All Ayes.  The motion carried. 

Motion by Hopper, second by Wiese to approve the ISG invoice, in the amount of $12,330.50, for commissioning-functional performance testing and reimbursables - commissioning.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Hopper, second by Wiese to approve the Haglund Bus Company invoice, in the amount of $6,676.39, for service.  All Ayes.  The motion carried. 

Motion by Wiese, second by Hopper to approve the Iowa Testing Programs invoice, in the amount of $5,024.25, for ISASP Testing 2024-2025. All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Wiese, second by Hopper to approve the Husak Tiling & Excavation invoice, in the amount of $12,737.77, for the installation of tile.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Hopper, second by Wiese to approve the JRF Concrete estimate, in the amount of $7,162.25, for the removal and replacement of front steps at the Partnership Center.  All Ayes.  The motion carried. 

Motion by Wiese, second by Hopper to approve BSN quotes, in the amounts of $9,443.88 (Middle School) and $8,500 (High School), for rugs and mats.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Wiese, second by Hopper to approve the Sports Graphics quote, in the amount of $19,488.00, for graphics for the new middle school.  All ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Wiese, second by Hopper to approve the 2025-2026 Student Handbook, Activities Handbook, and Substitute Handbook.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Hopper, second by Wiese to approve the Lacaeyse quote, in the amount of $8,895.00, for an activity trailer. All Ayes.  The motion carried.   

Motion by Wiese, second by Hopper to approve the JRF quote, in the amount of $9,684.45, for filling the elementary island with concrete.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Hopper, second by Wiese to approve Lincoln Savings Bank, State Bank of Toledo, and WCF Financial as the District’s depositories for 2025-2026, with an upper limit of $15,000,000.00.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Wiese, second by Hopper to approve the Tama-Toledo News Chronicle as the District’s official publication source for 2025-2026.  All Ayes.  The motion carried. 

Motion by Hopper, second by Wiese to approve the Level I investigators as presented.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Superintendent Cain shared upcoming events and community updates.  He announced the upcoming Open House event for the new middle school.  Community members and families are encouraged to attend and tour the facility. 

Each Board member presented a “positive” they have witnessed in the District or their role as a Board member.

The next regular Board meeting will be on Monday, August 11, 2025, at 5:00 p.m., at the Partnership Center, Tama IA. 

Motion by Wiese, second by Hopper to adjourn the meeting at 9:05 a.m.

 

Elizabeth Dolezal, Board President                   Amber Robson, Acting Board Secretary