PUBLIC HEARING, REGULAR, AND CLOSED 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 6, 2026 for a Public Hearing on the proposed conveyance of an interest in real property (Old Middle School) at the Partnership Center, Tama, Iowa beginning at 5:00 p.m. with some members of the community attending electronically through Google Hangouts.

President Dolezal administered the Oath of Office to Michael Avis.

On call of the roll the following were present:  Elizabeth Dolezal, Rick Hopper, Michael Avis, Joe Hanus, and Danya Keahna.  Quorum present.  Also present were:  Superintendent John Cain, Board Secretary Katie Mathern, Mary Mixdorf, Gerald Husak, Cheryl Husak, Jonathan Meyer, Jo Avis, Justin Suchanek, and members of the community through Google Hangouts.

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

Public Hearing - Conveyance of an Interest in Real Property (Old Middle School):  President Dolezal opened the Public Hearing at 5:02 p.m. on the proposal to convey an interest in real property (Old Middle School).  Hearing no public comments, President Dolezal asked for a motion to close the Public Hearing.

Motion by Hanus, second by Keahna to close the Public Hearing at 5:03 p.m.

The Regular Session was called to order at 5:03 p.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, Michael Avis, Joe Hanus, and Danya Keahna.  Quorum present.  Also present were:  Superintendent John Cain, Board Secretary Katie Mathern, Mary Mixdorf, Gerald Husak, Cheryl Husak, Jonathan Meyer, Jo Avis, Justin Suchanek, and members of the community through Google Hangouts.

Motion by Hopper, second by Keahna to approve the agenda with the removal of Presentation 1.  End of Year Activities Update.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Public Forum - None

Motion by Hopper, second by Keahna to approve the consent agenda as presented.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.      

Director of Finance Katie Mathern presented the unofficial annual end-of-year financial update to the Board.

Superintendent Cain presented the district’s annual progress report, highlighting updates on student achievement and improvement goals, curriculum and instructional initiatives, safety and reunification planning, bullying prevention efforts, career pathways, and the district’s year-end financial status, with state assessment results to be reviewed at a future board meeting once finalized by the Iowa Department of Education.

Administration reviewed the district’s communication platform selection process and recommended ParentSquare as the preferred platform based on committee feedback, ease of use, and overall features.

Superintendent Cain provided an update on open positions for the 2026-2027 school year, including ongoing recruitment efforts and contingency plans, and reminded the Board of the board training scheduled for July 29 at 5:00 p.m.

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

Hires:  Ashlee Garcia - Middle School ELL Paraeducator, Kelly DeLong - K-12 Special Education Teacher (PHS) effective January 2027, Lorna Perkins - Special Education Town Van Route, Nate Doran - Assistant Varsity Boys Basketball, Phoebe Osgood - Assistant Individual Speech, and Delsey Curtis - 7th Grade Literacy

Resignations:  Elizabeth Weitzell - Middle School ELL Teacher and Mattison Pladsen - Middle School Paraeducator

Officials:  Layla Pansegrau - Middle School Softball

Other:  Harley Doty - Math PLC Position

Motion by Hopper, second by Keahna to approve the Ames Ford quote, in the amount of $59,074.00, for a 2027 Ford Expedition for Special Education purposes.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Hanus, second by Keahna to approve the Tyler Technologies renewal, in the amount of $15,919.24, for the Tyler Drive Computer Program and tablet support and maintenance.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Hopper, second by Keahna to approve the IXL quote, in the amount of $20,825.00, for an IXL site license (Grades 5-12).  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Hopper, second by Hanus to approve the Cambium Assessment invoice, in the amount of $7,706.50, for ELPA21 English Learner Assessments.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Hopper, second by Keahna to approve Thomas Company quote, in the amount of $5,548.00, for the HVAC needed in the High School Concessions and Coffee Shop.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Hopper, second by Keahna to approve the Scharnweber quote, in the amount of $5,800.00, for the electrical needed in the High School Concessions and Coffee Shop.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Hopper, second by Keahna to approve the Resolution for Conveyance of Real Property authorizing the sale of the old middle school property to Ptero Investments, LLC.  Roll Call Vote:  Ayes - Dolezal, Hopper, Avis, Hanus, and Keahna.  Nays - None.  The motion carried.

Motion by Hanus, second by Keahna to approve the ParentSquare proposal, in the amount of $7,837.85, for a communication application for the 26-27 school year.  The motion carried.

Motion by Hanus, second by Hopper to approve the Street Smarts invoice, in the amount of $6,062.00, for Drivers Education Class completed.  The motion carried.

Motion by Hopper, second by Keahna to approve the following 2026-2027 handbooks:  Preschool, Elementary/Middle/High School, Certified, Classified, and Student-Parent Activities Handbook.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Hopper, second by Hanus to approve the first readings of the following policies:  103 - Long-Range Needs Assessment (update), 103 R1 - Long-Range Needs Assessment - Regulation (update), 203 - Board of Directors’ Conflict of Interest (update), 505.08 - Parent and Family Engagement District-Wide Policy (Formerly Parental Involvement) (update), 505.08 R1 - Parent and Family Engagement District-Wide Policy (Formerly Parental Involvement) - Building-Level Regulation (update), 506.01 - Education Records Access (update), 701.05 - Fiscal Management (update), 704.03 - Investments (update), 705.01 - Purchasing-Bidding (update), 705.01 R1 - Purchasing-Bidding-Suspension and Debarment of Vendors and Contractors Procedure (update), 705.01 R2 - Purchasing-Bidding-Using Federal Funds in Procurement Contracts (update), 705.04 - Expenditures for a Public Purpose (update), 705.04 R1 - Expenditures for a Public Purpose - Use of Public Funds Regulation (update), 705.05 - Federal Awards Compliance (new), and 706.04 - Time and Effort Reporting (new).  All Ayes.  The motion carried. 

Motion by Hanus, second by Keahna to approve the third readings of the following policies:  713 - Responsible Technology Use & Social Networking (new) and 713 R1 - Responsible Technology Use & Social Networking - Regulation (new).  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Superintendent Cain provided updates on upcoming events.

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

Motion by Hanus, second by Keahna to enter Closed Session at 6:28 p.m. pursuant to Iowa Code 21.5(1)(i) to evaluate the professional competency of an individual whose appointment, hiring, performance, or discharge is being considered when a closed session is necessary to prevent needless and irreparable injury to that individual’s reputation, and that individual requests a closed session.  Roll Call Vote:  Ayes - Dolezal, Hopper, Avis, Hanus, and Keahna.  Nays - None.  The motion carried.

The Board returned to open session at 7:11 p.m.

The next regular Board meeting will be on Monday, July 20, 2026, at 5: 00 p.m., at the Partnership Center, Tama, IA.

Motion by Keahna, second by Hanus to adjourn the meeting at 7:11 p.m.

 

Elizabeth Dolezal, Board President                   Katie Mathern, 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 20, 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, Michael Avis, and Joe Hanus. Danya Keahna was absent.  Quorum present.  Also present were:  Superintendent John Cain via Google Hangouts, Amber Robson, Mary Mixdorf, Jonathan Meyer, Travis Squires with Piper Sandler, and members of the community through Google Hangouts.

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

Public Forum - None

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

Travis Squires of Piper Sandler presented an overview of recent property tax reform legislation, its impact on the District’s finances and bond rating, and discussed future funding considerations, including the potential need for a voter-approved Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (PPEL).

Superintendent Cain provided updates on the District’s 2026 Excellence in Energy Efficient Design Award, minor revisions to TLC job descriptions, WaMaC, his planned retirement at the end of the 2026-2027 school year, Board training, changes to eighth-grade eligibility legislation, the District Technology Committee, and the draft community survey.

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

Hires:  Eva Keahna - Middle School Special Education Paraeducator and John Loos - Show Choir Sponsor

Resignations:  John Cain - Superintendent effective June 30, 2027

Transfers:  Tracy Everts from Elementary Special Education Paraeducator to Preschool Paraeducator and Janelle Quigley from Preschool Paraeducator to Elementary Special Education Paraeducator

Motion by Hopper, second by Hanus to approve the Iowa Testing Programs Invoice, in the amount of $6,296.90, for Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress (ISASP) 2025-2026.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Hanus, second by Hopper to approve the depositories at The State Bank of Toledo and Lincoln Savings Bank, with upper limits of $15,000,000 each.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Hopper, second by Hanus to approve the Tama-Toledo News Chronicle as the official publication.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Hopper, second by Avis to approve the first readings of the following policies:  201 - Board of Directors’ Elections, 210.05 - Meeting Notice, 401.01 - Equal Employment Opportunity, 409.02 - Employee Leaves of Absence, 501.12 - Pregnant Students, 501.15 - Open Enrollment-Procedures as a Receiving District, 502.03 - Student Expression and Student Publications Code, 503.01 - Student Conduct, 503.11 - Disruptive Behavior (new), 503.11 R1 - Disruptive Behavior - Removal Procedures (new), 503.11 R2 - Disruptive Behavior - Removal Procedures for Nonviolent Behavior for Students with an IEP (new), 504.06 - Student Activity Program (updated 504.06), 504.06 R1 - Student Activity Program Regulation (new), 507.02 - Administration of Medication to Students, 507.02 E1 - Administration of Medication to Students - Authorization - Asthma, Airway Constricting or Respiratory Distress Medication Self-Administration Consent Form, 507.02 E3 - Administration of Medication to Students - Parental Authorization and Release Form for Independent Self Carry and Administration of Prescribed Medication or Independent Delivery of Health Services by the Student, 603.01 - Basic Instruction Program, 603.03 - Special Education, 603.06 - Physical Education, 604.01 - Private Instruction, 604.03 - Program for Gifted and Talented Students, 604.03 R1 - Program for Gifted and Talented Students - Regulation (new), 604.05 - Religious-Based Exclusion from a School Program, 605.04 - Technology and Instructional Materials, 605.04 E1 - Technology and Instructional Materials - One-to-One Digital Device Program Technology Adoption Checklist (new), 605.07 R1 - Use of Information Resources - Regulation, 605.08 - Artificial Intelligence in the Educational Environment, 607.01 - Student Guidance and Counseling Program, 710.04 - Meal Charges, 713 - Responsible Technology Use & Social Networking, 804.05 - Stock Prescription Medication Supply, 804.05 E1- Stock Prescription Medication Supply - Parental Authorization and Release Form for the Administration for a Voluntary School Supply of Stock Medication for Life Threatening Incidents, 901 - Public Examination of School District Records, 603.04 Multi Cultural/Gender Fair Education (Rescinded), and 603.10 - Global Education (Rescinded).  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Hopper, second by Hanus to approve the first readings of the following policies:  103 - Long-Range Needs Assessment (update), 103 R1 - Long-Range Needs Assessment - Regulation (update), 203 - Board of Directors’ Conflict of Interest (update), 505.08 - Parent and Family Engagement District-Wide Policy (Formerly Parental Involvement) (update), 505.08 R1 - Parent and Family Engagement District-Wide Policy (Formerly Parental Involvement) - Building-Level Regulation (update), 506.01 - Education Records Access (update), 701.05 - Fiscal Management (update), 704.03 - Investments (update), 705.01 - Purchasing-Bidding (update), 705.01 R1 - Purchasing-Bidding-Suspension and Debarment of Vendors and Contractors Procedure (update), 705.01 R2 - Purchasing-Bidding-Using Federal Funds in Procurement Contracts (update), 705.04 - Expenditures for a Public Purpose (update), 705.04 R1 - Expenditures for a Public Purpose - Use of Public Funds Regulation (update), 705.05 - Federal Awards Compliance (new), and 706.04 - Time and Effort Reporting (new).  All Ayes.  The motion carried. 

Superintendent Cain provided updates on upcoming events.

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 3, 2026, at 5: 00 p.m., at the Partnership Center, Tama, IA.

Motion by Hanus, second by Hopper to adjourn the meeting at 6:06 p.m.

 

Elizabeth Dolezal, Board President                   Amber Robson, Acting Board Secretary    

WORK 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 29, 2026 for a Work Session at the STC Middle School, Toledo, Iowa beginning at 5:00 p.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, Michael Avis, and Danya Keahna. Joe Hanus was absent.  Quorum present.  Also present were:  Superintendent John Cain, Katie Mathern, Lou Gvist (IASB Board Development Director), and Lisa Whitaker (IASB Board Development Director). 

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

IASB Board Development Directors Lou Gvist and Lisa Whitaker facilitated a workshop with the South Tama County Community School District Board of Education focused on strengthening board leadership and governance.  Discussion included characteristics of effective board-superintendent teams; clarification of governance versus management roles; appropriate communication channels and processes for addressing questions, concerns and complaints; alignment of Board, Superintendent and building level-goals; and the Board’s role in establishing expectations, monitoring progress and supporting continuous improvement and student learning.

No action was taken.

Motion by Keahna, second by Hopper to adjourn the meeting at 8:03 p.m.

 

Elizabeth Dolezal, Board President                   Katie Mathern, 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 August 3, 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, Michael Avis, and Joe Hanus. Danya Keahna was absent.  Quorum present.  Also present were:  Superintendent John Cain, Katie Mathern, Mary Mixdorf, Dixie Forcht, Chelsea Ahrens, Cheryl Husak, Gerald Husak, Jonathan Meyer, and members of the community through Google Hangouts.

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

Public Forum - None

Motion by Hopper, second by Avis to approve the consent agenda as presented.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.      

Chelsea Ahrens presented an update on the Activity Department’s goals and student participation.  Discussion included communication, coaching expectations, eighth-grade participation, and STC’s future in the WaMaC Conference.

The Board received a Superintendent update and discussed the five-year financial plan, PPEL/SAVE changes, facility considerations, personnel and back-to-school updates, Board training, open enrollment requests, and the Middle School project closeout.

The Board discussed next steps with Piper Sandler regarding the District’s rating agencies and potential rating action.  Additional information and follow-up are anticipated.

The Board discussed the District’s $240,000 Therapeutic Classroom Incentive Grant award.  A progress update on implementation is anticipated in September.

The Board held an initial discussion regarding the 2027-2028 superintendent search process, including potential search firms, associated costs, and operational sharing options.

Motion by Hopper, second by Avis to approve the following personnel requests.  Ayes:  Dolezal, Hopper, Avis.  Nays:  Hanus.  The motion carried.

Hires:  Jill Blocker - Middle School Custodian, Crystal Propp - Middle School Special Education Paraeducator, Shelbyann Brown - Elementary Special Education Paraeducator, and Joshua YoungBear - High School Custodian

Resignations:  Dale Peterson - Bus Driver and Ashlee Garcia - Middle School Special Education Paraeducator

2026-2027 Mentoring Contracts:  Audrey Roth, Katie Schuett, Keely Upah, Laurie Baack, Nate Doran, Maggie Jesina, Paula Graves, Addison Krueger, Kenadie Geiger, Levi Klopping, Kodi Hillman, Kristi Miranda, and Joseph Hoskey

Motion by Hanus, second by Hopper to approve Open Enrollment Application #1.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Hanus, second by Avis to approve Open Enrollment Application #2.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Hanus, second by Hopper to approve the RC Systems invoice, in the amount of $60,077.42, for cameras and access systems.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Hopper, second by Hanus to approve the Fagen Friedman & Fulfrost invoice, in the amount of $13,316.03, for WaMaC legal fees.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.  Each District part of the WaMaC Conference will be billed for their portion of the fees.

Motion by Hopper, second by Hanus to approve Katie Mathern as Board Secretary/Treasurer for the 2026-2027 school year.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Hopper, second by Hanus to approve the final Garling Construction pay application #28, in the amount of $50,000.00, for construction services.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Hopper, second by Hanus to approve the resolution to consider continued participation in the Instructional Support Program.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Hanus, second by Hopper to approve the second readings of the following policies and they will be brought back for a third reading:  201 - Board of Directors’ Elections, 210.05 - Meeting Notice, 401.01 - Equal Employment Opportunity, 409.02 - Employee Leaves of Absence, 501.12 - Pregnant Students, 501.15 - Open Enrollment-Procedures as a Receiving District, 502.03 - Student Expression and Student Publications Code, 503.01 - Student Conduct, 503.11 - Disruptive Behavior (new), 503.11 R1 - Disruptive Behavior - Removal Procedures (new), 503.11 R2 - Disruptive Behavior - Removal Procedures for Nonviolent Behavior for Students with an IEP (new), 504.06 - Student Activity Program (updated 504.06), 504.06 R1 - Student Activity Program Regulation (new), 507.02 - Administration of Medication to Students, 507.02 E1 - Administration of Medication to Students - Authorization - Asthma, Airway Constricting or Respiratory Distress Medication Self-Administration Consent Form, 507.02 E3 - Administration of Medication to Students - Parental Authorization and Release Form for Independent Self Carry and Administration of Prescribed Medication or Independent Delivery of Health Services by the Student, 603.01 - Basic Instruction Program, 603.03 - Special Education, 603.06 - Physical Education, 604.01 - Private Instruction, 604.03 - Program for Gifted and Talented Students, 604.03 R1 - Program for Gifted and Talented Students - Regulation (new), 604.05 - Religious-Based Exclusion from a School Program, 605.04 - Technology and Instructional Materials, 605.04 E1 - Technology and Instructional Materials - One-to-One Digital Device Program Technology Adoption Checklist (new), 605.07 R1 - Use of Information Resources - Regulation, 605.08 - Artificial Intelligence in the Educational Environment, 607.01 - Student Guidance and Counseling Program, 710.04 - Meal Charges, 713 - Responsible Technology Use & Social Networking, 804.05 - Stock Prescription Medication Supply, 804.05 E1- Stock Prescription Medication Supply - Parental Authorization and Release Form for the Administration for a Voluntary School Supply of Stock Medication for Life Threatening Incidents, 901 - Public Examination of School District Records, 603.04 Multi Cultural/Gender Fair Education (Rescinded), and 603.10 - Global Education (Rescinded).  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Superintendent Cain reviewed upcoming District events, including District Welcome Back and the Board meeting on August 17, the Solution Tree PLC presentation on August 18, District Open Houses on August 20, and the first day of school on August 24.

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

Hopper requested a future agenda discussion regarding the importance of emphasizing academics alongside extracurricular activities.

The next regular Board meeting will be on Monday, August 17, 2026, at 5: 00 p.m., at the Partnership Center, Tama, IA.

Motion by Hopper, second by Hanus to adjourn the meeting at 7:13 p.m.

 

Elizabeth Dolezal, Board President                   Katie Mathern, Board Secretary