2026.05.19 Public Hearing and Special Session

PUBLIC HEARING AND 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 May 19, 2026 for a Public Hearing on the 2025-2026 School Calendar Amendment at the Partnership Center, Tama, Iowa beginning at 7:00 a.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 Danya Keahna.  Megan Thiessen was absent.  Quorum present.  Also present were:  Superintendent John Cain, Board Secretary Katie Mathern, Mary Mixdorf, Dixie Forcht, and members of the community through Google Hangouts.

Motion by Hanus, second by Keahna to approve the agenda of the Public Hearing.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Public Hearing - 2025-20267 School Calendar Amendment:  President Dolezal opened the Public Hearing at 7:00 a.m. regarding the proposed 2025-2026 calendar amendment changing May 27, 2026, to a full attendance day, May 28, 2026, to an early dismissal day, and May 29, 2026, to a staff flex work day with no student attendance. Hearing no public comments, President Dolezal asked for a motion to close the Public Hearing.

Motion by Hopper, second by Keahna to close the Public Hearing at 7:02 a.m.

The Regular Session was called to order at 7:02 a.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 Danya Keahna.  Megan Thiessen was absent.  Quorum present.  Also present were:  Superintendent John Cain, Board Secretary Katie Mathern, Mary Mixdorf, Dixie Forcht, and members of the community through Google Hangouts.

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

Public Forum - Dixie Forcht addressed the Board on behalf of the STCEA and as a concerned citizen and taxpayer regarding the iJAG program, expressing concerns about staffing consistency, coverage of specialized materials, and the importance of maintaining stable work-based learning opportunities for students.

Dixie also thanked the Board members for attending graduation ceremonies and supporting K-12 students and district activities throughout the school year.

Motion by Hopper, second by Keahna to approve the amendment to the 2025-2026 school calendar making May 27, 2026, a full student attendance day, scheduling an early dismissal on May 28, 2026, and designating May 29, 2026, as a staff flex work day with no student attendance.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Hopper, second by Hanus to approve the iJAG invoice, in the amount of $37,500, for 2026-2027 high school and middle school services.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

The Board discussed staffing needs, student programming, work-based learning opportunities, and budget considerations, including partnerships and future planning needs.  Discussion included operational considerations, staffing challenges, and the District’s need to balance student support and programming with financial sustainability.  The Board directed administration to continue reviewing options and discussions in the coming weeks.

Superintendent Cain provided updates regarding graduation activities and reminded the Board of the End of Year Celebration scheduled for Thursday, May 28, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. in the High School Gym.

Motion by Hanus, second by Keahna to adjourn the meeting at 7:32 a.m.

 

Elizabeth Dolezal, Board President                   Katie Mathern, Board Secretary