2026.10.19 Regular Session
2026.10.19 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 October 19, 2026 for 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, and Michael Avis. Joe Hanus and Danya Keahna were absent. Quorum present. Also present were: Superintendent John Cain, Katie Mathern, Mary Mixdorf, Cheryl Husak, Gerald Husak, Dixie Forcht, Janelle Pirkl, Kathy Wilkerson, and members of the community through Google Hangouts.
Motion by Hopper, second by Avis to approve the agenda. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Public Forum - Dixie Forcht shared details about the upcoming Sweeney Todd performances on November 5-7 and thanked the Board for approving the Thespian’s trip to the UNI Thespian Festival.
Gerald Husak expressed concern about a large pothole near the Highway 63 entrance at the high school and requested that it be filled to prevent buses from hitting it.
Motion by Hopper, second by Avis to approve the consent agenda as presented. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Janelle Pirkl reviewed the District’s fall screening data, assessment schedules, and how results guide instruction and support student achievement goals. She also highlighted building improvement goals and the District’s ISASP proficiency targets for ELA, Math, and Science.
Superintendent Cain highlighted the Middle School Campus Renovation’s APWA Project of the Year Award and provided updates on enrollment trends, the CTE Academy, WaMaC Conference realignment, and board policy reviews.
The Board discussed Policy 407.06 regarding early retirement and reviewed the financial impact of offering an incentive, including the District’s Management Fund.
The Board discussed a potential partnership with Iowa Valley to establish a South Tama CTE Academy Center through a $1 million CAIF grant, including program opportunities, facility needs, and potential costs.
The Board was informed that District radon testing is scheduled for the week of November 9 in accordance with Iowa Code 280.32, which requires testing every five years.
The Board discussed the potential relocation of District Administration offices to the Partnership Center, including renovation costs and the current property’s valuation, and requested a summary of operating expenses such as utilities, snow removal, and maintenance.
Motion by Hopper, second by Avis to approve the following personnel requests. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Hires: Sara Zapata - Middle School Special Education Paraeducator and Anthony Garcia - Middle School Special Education Paraeducator
Resignations: Tracy Everts - Preschool Paraeducator
Volunteers: Amber Bolen - Middle School/High School Girls Basketball and Brayden Smith - Middle School/High School Boys & Girls Wrestling
Motion by Hopper, second by Avis to approve the Level I Investigators as presented. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Avis, second by Hopper to authorize the Board President and/or Superintendent to Issue and Approve Special Education Contracts and Open Enrollment Applications. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Hopper, second by Avis to approve the two additional high school fundraisers as presented. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Hopper, second by Avis to approve the FBLA Club Fundraising Proposals as presented. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Avis, second by Hopper to approve the SGH Concepts bid, in the amount of $23,678.00, for the high school commons skylights damaged by hail. All Ayes. The motion carried. Insurance will cover some or all of this.
Motion by Hopper, second by Avis to approve the first review of the following policies: 206.02 - Vice-President; 206.03 - Secretary; 206.04 - Treasurer; 207 - Board of Director’s Legal Counsel; 208 - Board Committees; 208 E1 - Ad Hoc Committees - Exhibit; 208 R1 - Board Committees - Regulation; 209.01 - Development of Policy; 209.02 - Adoption of Policy; 209.03 - Dissemination of Policy; 209.04 - Suspension of Policy; 209.05 - Administration in Absence of Policy; 209.06 - Review and Revision of Policy; 209.07 - Review of Administrative Regulations; 302.01 - Superintendent Qualifications, Recruitment, Appointment; 407.06 - Employee Early Retirement; 505.05 - Graduation Requirements; 701.05 R1 - Fiscal Management - Financial Metrics; 804.07 - Radon Mitigation; and 804.07 R1 - Radon Mitigation Regulation. All Ayes. The motion carried.
The Superintendent provided updates on upcoming District events, including fall activities and competitions, parent-teacher conferences, early dismissals, and scheduled days off.
The next regular Board meeting will be on Monday, November 2, 2026, at 5: 00 p.m., at the Partnership Center, Tama, IA.
Motion by Hopper, second by Avis to adjourn the meeting at 6:51 p.m.
Elizabeth Dolezal, Board President Katie Mathern, Board Secretary