2026.02.23 Regular Session
2026.02.23 Regular 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 February 23, 2026 for a Regular Session at the Partnership Center, Tama, Iowa beginning 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, Danya Keahna, and Megan Thiessen. Joe Hanus was absent. Quorum Present. Also present were: Superintendent John Cain, Board Secretary Katie Mathern, Mary Mixdorf, Gerald Husak, Cheryl Husak, Brad Schweppe, Jon Huebner, Jenn Nelson, Janelle Pirkl, Ben Adams, Sam Peska, and members of the community through Google Hangouts.
Motion by Thiessen, second by Keahna to approve the agenda. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Public Comment - Mr. Schweppe expressed appreciation for the district’s bus drivers, noting that they do an outstanding job and often do not receive the recognition they deserve. He commended their teamwork and dedication, sharing that he has seen drivers adjust routes and return to pick up students when needed. Mr. Schweppe stated that it is clear the drivers care deeply about the students and the community and wanted to thank them for their efforts in keeping students safe.
Motion by Thiessen, second by Hopper to approve the following consent agenda items: February 9, 2026 Regular Session minutes; bills for payment; financials as presented; Don Congdon agreement for speech; Setpoint Mechanical Carrier Chiller addition option; and a donation from El Gallito, in the amount of $1,087.60 to STC Activities. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Janelle Pirkl and the building principals presented the district’s Winter FAST Assessment data as a mid-year indicator of student progress prior to ISASP testing. Results showed relatively flat growth from the fall. The presentation also reviewed district outcome goals and instructional supports in place, with discussion focused on monitoring student progress and response to the data.
Superintendent Cain provided updates on the Old Middle School property, Board/Admin Workshop discussions, the recommended 2026-27 school calendar, legislative updates related to SSA, and upcoming negotiations.
The board discussed potential future insurance options and updates presented by Gallagher. The discussion included reviewing current coverage and exploring possible strategies and opportunities for the district in the future.
The board discussed next steps regarding the Old Middle School property. The district is currently awaiting an asbestos summary and has received two demolition bids. The option to repost the property for sale was also discussed, with Katie outlining the process and steps required for reposting. Superintendent Cain recommended reposting the property with a tight timeline and, if no purchase bids are received, proceeding with demolition as soon as possible, potentially this summer.
Motion by Hopper , second by Keahna to approve the following personnel requests. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Officials: High School Basketball - Richard Kunc, Brad Lake, Blake Chance, and Tom Pattison
Other: Matthew DeZwarte - High School Science Teacher, termination of probationary teacher contract pursuant to Iowa Code 279.19, effective end of contract term
Motion by Thiessen, second by Keahna to approve the following Riddle Quotes and transfer of funds from the general fund to activity fund for safety equipment, in the total amount of $15,356.61: middle school football helmets and shoulder pads - $3,669.95, high school football helmets and shoulder pads - $7,073.00, middle school helmet reconditioning - $1,986.98, and high school helmet reconditioning - $2,626.68. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Thiessen, second by Keahna to approve the final maximum property tax rate to be published for the taxpayer notice at 15.08474. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Hopper, second by Keahna to set the Certified Budget Public Hearing Date #1 for March 23, 2026. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Hopper, second by Thiessen to set the Certified Budget Public Hearing Date #2 for April 13, 2026. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Thiessen, second by Hopper to set the 2026-2027 Calendar Public Hearing Date for March 9, 2026. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Hopper, second by Keahna to approve the first reading of the following policies: 804.07 - Radon Mitigation (updated), 804.07 R1 - Radon Mitigation - Regulation (new), 900 - Principles and Objectives for Community Relations (updated), 901 - Public Examination of School District Records (new), 902.02 - News Conference and Interviews (FKA 100.02 R1), 904.01 - Transporting Students in Private Vehicles (updated), 905.01 E1 - Community Use of School District Buildings & Sites & Equipment - Application Form (new), 905.01 E2 - Community Use of School District Buildings & Sites & Equipment - Indemnity and Liability Insurance Agreement (new), 905.01 R1 - Community Use of School District Buildings & Sites & Equipment - Regulation (new), 905.01 R2 - Community Use of School District Buildings & Sites & Equipment - Fees Schedule (new), 905.03 - Weapons in the School District (FKA 502.06), 906 - Unmanned Aircraft/Drones (new), 907 - District Operation During Public Emergencies (new), 907 R1 - District Operation During Public Emergencies - Regulation (new). All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Thiessen, second by Keahna to approve the second reading of the following policies: 800 - Objectives of Building & Sites (updated), 801.01 - Building & Sites Long Range Planning (new), 801.02 - Building & Sites Survey (new), 801.03 - Education Specifications for Buildings & Sites (new), 801.04 - Site Acquisition (new), 802.01 - Maintenance Schedule (FKA 902.01), 802.02 - Request for Improvements (new), 802.04 R1 - Capital Assets-Regulation (new regs), 802.04 R2 - Capital Assets-Management System Definitions (new regs), 802.05 - Buildings and Sites Adaptation for Persons with Disabilities (FKA 901.07), 802.06 - Vandalism (FKA 906.01), 803.01 - Disposition of Obsolete Equipment (FKA 903.02), 803.02 - Lease, Sale or Disposal of School District Building & Sites (FKA 903.03), 804.01 - Facilities Inspections (updated), 804.02 - District Emergency Operations Plans (updated), 804.04 - Asbestos Containing Material (FKA 904.01), and 804.06 R1 - Use of Recording Devices on School Property - Use of District Owned Recording Devices Regulation (new regs). All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Thiessen, second by Keahna to table policy 507.02 E4 - Administration of Medication to Students - Parental Authorization and Release Form for the Administration of Voluntary School Stock Over-the-Counter Medication to Students (new). All Ayes. The motion carried.
Superintendent Cain shared several upcoming district events and activities, including the WaMaC Conference Individual Speech Contest, boy’s basketball substrate, middle school basketball and wrestling competitions, the Coe College High School Jazz Summit, Individual Speech Districts, the 5-12 Parade of Bands, Individual Speech Community Night, and the NEIBA Jazz Festival. The district will also have no school on February 25 due to a professional development day.
Each Board member presented a “positive” they have witnessed in the District or their role as a Board member.
Motion by Thiessen, second by Keahna to adjourn the meeting at 7:09 p.m.
The next regular Board meeting will be on Monday, March 9, 2026, at 5:00 p.m., at the Partnership Center, Tama IA.
Elizabeth Dolezal, Board President Katie Mathern, Board Secretary