2025.09.22 Regular and Closed Session
2025.09.22 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 September 22, 2025 for a Regular Session at the Partnership Center, Tama, Iowa at 5:00 p.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, Joe Hanus, Megan Thiessen, and Beth Wiese. Quorum Present. Also present were: Superintendent John Cain, Board Secretary Katie Mathern, Mary Mixdorf, Dixie Forcht, Gerald Husak, Jill Kienzle, Vern Jefferson, Ben Adams, and members of the community through Google Hangouts.
Motion by Hopper, second by Thiessen to approve the agenda. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Public Comment - Dixie Forcht commented on extra duty contracts, expressing concern about compensation for club sponsorships and the challenges of holding activities outside of the school day.
Motion by Hopper, second by Hanus to approve the following consent agenda items: September 8, 2025 Public Hearing, Regular, and Closed Session minutes; bills for payment and financials as presented; and a donation from STC Activity Boosters, in the amount of $2,038.82, for weight room equipment. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Jill Kienzle shared updates on fall 2025 Work-Based Learning, including internships, work experiences, and industry partnership projects. She noted that activities align with Kuder Navigator and introduced the new Advanced Employability course. Jill was commended for raising expectations and expanding career-connected learning opportunities.
Superintendent Cain reported progress on resolving middle school odor issues related to remodeling, reminded the Board of the November 19 IASB Delegate Assembly and requested volunteers, and shared updates on Policy 407.06 (Early Retirement) following staff feedback, with a decision targeted for December. A new SIAC structure will align with the strategic plan, with opportunities for Board participation.
The Board reviewed the Fall Activity Handbooks, which were presented at the last meeting by Chelsea Ahrens. Members noted the presentation was well done and found the electronic version of the handbook especially beneficial, as it can be easily referenced.
Motion by Thiessen, second by Hanus to approve the following personnel requests. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Hires: Cassie Kissinger - Middle School/Partnership Paraeducator
Resignations: Rubi Pesina - Middle School Paraeducator, Troy Balderas - High School Girls Assistant Soccer Coach, Ashley Raue - Head 8th Grade Girls Track Coach, and Ramona Ray - Middle School Special Education Paraeducator
Transfers: Andrew Walton from Assistant High School Boys Soccer Coach to Head High School Boys Soccer Coach and Jeff Niedermann from Head High School Boys Soccer Coach to Assistant High School Boys Soccer Coach
Officials: High School Volleyball - Donald Anderson and Matt Vogler and High School Football - Scott Zahnle, Tom Velky, Dustin Lutterman, Jenna Averhoff, and Chuck McNally
Kelle Johannsen - 2nd Mentoring Contract
Motion by Thiessen, second by Hopper to approve the ISG invoice, in the amount of $7,185.10, for Commissioning - Functional Performance Testing and Reimbursables - Commissioning. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Hopper, second by Wiese to approve the resolution to set the public hearing on the conveyance of the property locally known as 201 South Green St, Toledo, Iowa 52342, for October 13, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. in the
Partnership Center located at 215 W. 9th Street, Tama, Iowa 52339 and that the Secretary is authorized and directed to prepare, publish, and distribute the Notice of Hearing. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Thiessen, second by Wiese to approve the request for Modified Allowable Supplemental Aid for LEP Allowable Costs, in the amount of $209,500.02. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Hopper, second by Hanus to approve the Classified Handbook with the FMLA changes. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Thiessen, second by Hanus to approve the Certified Handbook with the salary matrix changes. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Thiessen, second by Wiese to approve the stipend for the high school special education teacher with extra in their caseloads $25.00 per point over 110 points in their caseload (re-evaluated each semester) and stipend for the special education teacher position at the Partnership that is shared with the Partnership High School Program and Trojan Academy Program. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Thiessen, second by Wiese to approve the first reading of the following policies: (Rescind) 301.05 - Professional Liability Exposure - Superintendent, 402.02 - Abuse of Students by School District Employee (FKA 402.03), 402.03 - Child Abuse Reporting (FKA 402.02), 506.01 E1 - Education Records Access - Request of Non-parent for Examination or Copies of Education Records (Needs Updated), 506.01 E2 - Education Records Access - Authorization for Release of Education Records (Needs Updated), 506.01 E3 - Education Records Access - Request for Hearing on Correction of Education Records (Needs Updated), 506.01 E4 - Education Records Access - Request for Examination of Education Records (FKA 505.01 E5), 506.01 E5 - Education Records Access - Notification of Transfer of Education Records (New), 506.01 E6 - Education Records Access - Letter to Parent Regarding Receipt of a Subpoena (FKA 505.01 E7), 506.01 E7 - Education Records Access - Juvenile Agency Information (FKA 505.01 E8), 506.01 E8 - Education Records Access - Annual Notice (FKA 505.01 E9), and 506.01 R1 - Education Records Access - Regulation (FKA 401.05 R1). All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Hopper, second by Hanus to approve the second reading of the following policies and to bring back 407.06 for a third reading next meeting: 100 - Legal Status of the School District, 101 - Educational Philosophy of the School District, 103 - Long Range Needs Assessment, 103-R1 - Long Range Needs Assessment - Regulation, 407.06 - Employee Early Retirement, 505.08 R1 - Parent and Family Engagement District-Wide Policy (formally Parental Involvement) - Building-Level Regulation, 506.01 - Educational Records Access, 804.06 R1 - Use of Recording Devices on School Property - Use of District-Owned Recording Devices Regulation, 506.02 - Student Directory Information, 506.02 R1 - Student Directory Information - Use of Directory Information, 506.04 - Student Library Circulation Records, and rescinding 504.05 - Student Fundraising. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Superintendent Cain reported a busy schedule of fall activities, including middle school volleyball and football, high school volleyball and football, cross country meets, esports competitions, and marching band performances. Highlights include home events in volleyball and football, the varsity volleyball tournament, and marching band appearances in Marion and at Kingston Stadium.
Each Board member presented a “positive” they have witnessed in the District or their role as a Board member.
Motion by Thiessen, second by Hanus to enter into Closed Session at 6:30 p.m. pursuant to Iowa Code 21.5(1)(i) To discuss the purchase or sale of particular real estate, but only when premature disclosure could be reasonably expected to increase the price the board would have to pay for the property, or in case of a sale reduce the price the board could receive for the property. All Ayes.
Motion by Thiessen, second by Wiese to come out of Closed Session at 6:45 p.m.
The next regular Board meeting will be on Monday, October 13, 2025, at 5:00 p.m., at the Partnership Center, Tama IA.
Motion by Thiessen, second by Wiese to adjourn the meeting at 6:45 p.m.
Elizabeth Dolezal, Board President Katie Mathern, Board Secretary