REGULAR & 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 February 20, 2024 in Regular Session at the Partnership Center, Tama, Iowa at 5:00 p.m.

On call of the roll the following were present:  Beth Wiese, Jackie Ellenbecker, Rick Hopper, and Megan Thiessen. Absent:  Elizabeth Dolezal  Quorum Present.  Also present were: Superintendent John Cain, Board Secretary Katie Mathern, Mary Mixdorf, Sam Peska, Mary Fasse - Shaw, Jim Roan, Nancy Smith, Mary Jo Cherveney, Danny Elsbury, Maely Elsbury, Autumn Elsbury, Kinley Jimenez, and members of the community through Google Hangouts.

Motion by Thiessen, second by Hopper to approve the agenda with the addition of a hire under item 7.A. Personnel:  Jon Huebner - Elementary Assistant Principal.  All Ayes.  The motion carried. 

Motion by Thiessen, second by Hopper to approve the following consent agenda items: minutes from the January 31, 2024 Board work session;  minutes from the February 5, 2024 regular meeting; minutes from the February 8, 2024 Board work session; bills for payment; Morningside University Agreement, and early graduation request from Jonathan Ebersole - March 1, 2024.  Ayes:  Wiese, Hopper, and Thiessen.  Nays:  Ellenbecker.  The motion carried. 

Public Comment - Several members of the community voiced their concern of reducing the district band/vocal department from 4 to 3 teachers. 

The Board recognized the STC Girls Wrestling State Qualifiers:  Maely Elsbury, Autumn Elsbury, Abigail Chyma, and Kinley Jimenez. 

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

Hires:  Parker Noe - High School Night Custodian, Bailey Engelke - 8th Grade Social Studies Teacher (2024-25), Samantha Behounek - Middle School Paraeducator, and Jon Huebner - Elementary Assistant Principal.

Resignations:  Vanessa Valdovinos - Elementary ELL Paraeducator and Lon Wilkerson - Head 7th Grade Boys Basketball

Officials:  Holly Brown - HS Speech Judge and Adonnis Hill - HS Basketball

Transfers:  Angelica Gomez - From Partnership Center Administrative Assistant to Technology Assistant (Effective July 1, 2024)

Volunteer:  Roman Hill - HS Esports

Motion by Thiessen, second by Hopper to approve the Garling Construction Change Order 037, in the amount of $8,032.50, for the removal of screen wall, steel support frame and platform on the roof.  The motion carried.

Motion by Ellenbecker, second by Thiessen to approve the course proposal of Spanish Language and Concepts for Spanish Speakers 3.  All Ayes.  The motion carried. 

Motion by Thiessen, second by Hopper to approve the ISG invoice, in the amount of $15,000.00, for construction administration and close-out.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Ellenbecker, second by Hopper to approve the Cambium Assessment invoice, in the amount of $7,741.00, for ELPA Testing.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Thiessen, second by Ellenbecker to approve the ThinkSafe quote, in the amount of $8,133.62, for seven AEDs.  All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Thiessen, second by Hopper to approve Maker Space Mondays at the Middle School.  This is an early out - after school program for grades 5-8.   All Ayes.  The motion carried.

Motion by Thiessen, second by Ellenbecker to approve the 2024-2025 budget restructure as presented on the first tab of the budget document.  All Ayes.  The motion carried. 

The Board reviewed the current Iowa Works postings. 

Mr. Cain reminded the Board of the community meeting for the Voted PPEL on Sunday, February 25, 4:00-6:00 p.m., at the high school. 

The Board discussed the Strengthening Center and plan on revisiting the services in June of 2024.

Mr. Cain reported there are new pictures up on the construction page for the new middle school.  Walls are going up inside the building and also outside for the new gym. 

Mr. Cain informed the Board Melody Vallente will start on Thursday, February 22, 2024, as she arrived on Saturday, February 17th from the Philippines.  Amy Karg, along with other staff, has helped Melody get settled.  There have been initial conversations on participation in the WAMAC Conference and this topic will be further discussed.  Katie Mathern and John have met with an energy savings group and believe it is a good opportunity to learn more about this potential savings opportunity. 

Motion by Hopper, second by Thiessen to enter into Closed Session at 7:21 p.m. pursuant to Iowa Code 21.5(1)(i) of the open meeting law to evaluate the professional competency of an individual whose appointment, hiring, performance, or discharge is being considered when necessary to prevent needless and irreparable injury to that individual’s reputation and that individual requests a closed session.  All Ayes. 

Motion by Thiessen, second by Hopper to come out of closed session at 8:03 p.m.

Motion by Hopper, second by Thiessen to adjourn the meeting at 8:04 p.m.

Elizabeth Dolezal, Board President                      Katie Mathern, Board Secretary