2026.08.17 Regular Session
2026.08.17 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 17, 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, Cheryl Husak, Gerald Husak, 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 - Gerald Husak addressed the Board regarding the Middle School process and asked whether the matter was considered a “done deal.”
Motion by Hopper, second by Hanus to approve the consent agenda as presented. All Ayes. The motion carried.
The Board participated in an IASB At the Board Table activity focused on school finance terms and concepts. Board members discussed key financial topics and how to communicate district financial decisions to the public.
The Board discussed the RFP process for superintendent search services, including potential search firms, the proposed timeline, and information to be included in the RFP. The Board provided direction to proceed with soliciting proposals.
Superintendent Cain provided updates regarding IASB BoardCon2026, the RSAI Legislative Issues Survey, IASB membership, and back-to-school activities. The Board was reminded to complete the RSAI survey by August 27 and was provided information regarding upcoming professional development, staff training, district open houses, and the first day of school.
The Board discussed balancing academics and extracurricular activities, with a focus on rigor and relevance in student learning. Discussion included providing students with meaningful academic challenges while connecting learning to students’ experiences and interests to support engagement and deeper learning. Additional discussion and presentations on the topic are planned for the fall.
The Board reviewed the final draft of the Community Survey for local business and community leaders. The survey is intended to gather feedback regarding district-community relationships, workforce readiness, student skills, and opportunities for community and workforce development. The survey will be distributed in both paper and electronic formats, with results expected this fall.
Motion by Hanus, second by Hopper to approve the following personnel requests. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Hires: Jody Erickson - Middle School Special Education Paraeducator, Steve Schuett - AM/PM Bus Driver, Dale Probasco - AM/PM Bus Driver, Kelley DeLong - K-12 Special Education Teacher (PHS), and Steve Chyma - Assistant Varsity Boys Football
Resignations: Amber Bolen - 7th Grade Girls Basketball
Transfer: Kim Meek from Elementary Special Education Paraeducator to Behavior Interventionist for a Therapeutic Classroom
Volunteers: HS Show Choir - Karissa Burkhardt; HS Football - Josh Bly and Mike Zmolek; MS Volleyball - Deanna Zmolek; and HS Speech, Play & Musical - Jowonda Love, Mary Fasse-Shaw, Jeff Shaw, Tyler Moran, Taylor Moran, Julie Matta, and Ryden Forcht
Officials: MS/HS Volleyball - Brooke Bonnette, Tiffany Theissen, Gregory Davies, Donald Anderson, Matthew Vogeler, Hannah VanScoyoc, Leslie Homeister, Keely Upah, Eugene Ubben, Deidra Mohr, Kennedy Theissen, and Julie Foglesong; MS/HS Cross Country Starter - David Lee; MS/HS Football - David Nitz, Tom Kemper, Dan Johnson, Jay Freese, Brian Murphy, Mike Vint, Jose Placencia, Jon Reed, Seth Koch, Josh Berka, Bret Miell, Brad Doerring, Jeff Frese, Blake Chance, Scott Reittinger, Jim Packingham, Collin Payne, Mark Hebdon, Michael Elsinger, Loren Wood, Pat Loughren, Fred Griffiths, Matt Nost, TJ Shubert, and DJ Norem
2026-2027 Mentoring Contracts: Paula Graves and Sarah Klopping
Motion by Hopper, second by Hanus to approve the Musco Lighting change order, in the amount of $1,518.00, for additional lighting repair charges. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Hopper, second by Hanus to the Eide Bailly invoice, in the amount of $26,250.00, for Section 48 Energy Credit Analysis. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Hopper, second by Avis to approve Midwest Tennis & Track proposal, in the amount of $14,860.00, for long jump runway resurfacing. All Ayes. The motion carried. STC Activity Boosters had pledged to pay for $8,000 of this expense.
Motion by Hanus, second by Hopper to approve the Leading Edge Fundraising proposal for a middle school fundraising partnership. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Hopper, second by Hanus to approve the Rachel’s Challenge proposal, in the amount of $4,800.00, for a middle school program. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Hopper, second by Avis to approve the 2026-2027 overnight trips as presented. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Hopper, second by Avis to approve the 2026-2027 student handbook. Ayes: Dolezal, Hopper, and Avis. Nays: Hanus. The motion carried.
Motion by Hopper, second by Hanus to approve the Alliant Energy invoice, in the amount of $20,480.93, for electrical service repair charges at the new middle school. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Hopper, second by Avis to approve Ahlers & Cooney as legal counsel for the District. Ayes: Dolezal, Hopper, Avis. Nays: Hanus. The motion carried.
Motion by Hopper, second by Avis to approve the third readings of the following policies and 604.03 R1 - Program for Gifted and Talented Students - Regulation (new) will be brought back for a fourth 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, 604.05 - 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,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 table the following policies and bring to a fourth reading: 804.05 - Stock Prescription Medication Supply and 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. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Superintendent Cain provided an update on upcoming district and community events, including athletic activities, the High School Family Information Meeting for dual credit students, Back to School Night, Trojan Bowl, and the first day of school on August 24, 2026.
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 Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at 5: 00 p.m., at the Partnership Center, Tama, IA.
Motion by Hanus, second by Avis to adjourn the meeting at 6:40 p.m.
Elizabeth Dolezal, Board President Katie Mathern, Board Secretary