2025.12.12 Special and Work Sessions

SPECIAL AND WORK SESSIONS

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 12, 2025 for a Public Hearing on a calendar change at the Partnership Center, Tama, Iowa beginning at 3:00 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, Danya Keahna, and Megan Thiessen.  Quorum Present.  Also present were:  Superintendent John Cain, Board Secretary Katie Mathern, Mary Mixdorf, Brian Sokol, Jonathan Meyer, Joe Boll, Cathy Cook, Kendall Jordan, Gerald Husak, Cheryl Husak, Mike Davis, Michael Marquess, and members of the community through Google Hangouts.

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

Public Comment - None

Motion by Thiessen, second by Hopper to table the Special Education Delivery Plan.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

The Board and City representatives held a discussion to provide a forum for exploring options and future uses for the former Middle School property. It was noted that the buyer and end user have withdrawn, returning the district to considering next steps. Discussion included the challenges of finding a developer for a property of this size, ongoing maintenance costs, and the lack of current funding for redevelopment.

Options discussed included relisting the property, working collaboratively with the City of Toledo, exploring potential housing or recreational uses, and evaluating demolition as a future option. The need to balance community interest with the district’s financial responsibility was emphasized. The Board discussed obtaining demolition cost estimates, potential grant opportunities, zoning considerations, and setting a reasonable timeline to pursue viable reuse options before determining whether demolition should be considered.

Motion by Keahna, second by Hanus to adjourn the meeting at 3:57 p.m.

 

Elizabeth Dolezal, Board President                   Katie Mathern, Board Secretary