2026.08.03 Regular Session
2026.08.03 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 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