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 May 12, 2025 for a Regular Session at the Partnership Center, Tama, Iowa 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, Joe Hanus, and Megan Thiessen. Quorum Present. Beth Wiese joined the meeting at 5:02 p.m. Also present were: Superintendent John Cain, Board Secretary Katie Mathern, Mary Mixdorf, Dixie Forcht, Dan Lopez, Sarah Novotny, Jonathan Meyer of the Tama-Toledo News Chronicle, Seth Koch, Heather Wanatee, and members of the community in person and through Google Hangouts.
Motion by Thiessen, second by Hanus to approve the agenda with the removal of the Middle School Update and removal of Kelsea Anderson from the resignations under personnel. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Public Comment - Seth Koch read a letter on behalf of Taylor Brown, voicing her concern regarding the placement of the FFA advisor on the Extra-Curricular and Co-Curricular Supplemental Pay Schedule.
Motion by Wiese, second by Hopper to approve the following consent agenda items: minutes of the April 14, 2025 Work Session, minutes of the April 28, 2025 Elementary Work Session, minutes of the April 28,2025 Regular Meeting, minutes of the April 28, 2025 Community Work Session, bills for payment as presented, Education First Agreement, SAI Administrator Mentoring Program Agreement, LINQ quote for Menu Planning Subscription Fee, Iowa Department of Education Amendment #1 for Gear Up extension, and Sarmiento Immigration Law Firm Agreement. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Dan Lopez and Sarah Novotny presented to the Board on their Gear Up professional development opportunity at the Rural Summit in Alaska.
Superintendent Cain recognized the Board members in honor of School Board Appreciation Month, expressing gratitude for their dedication and service. Certificates of appreciation were presented, and refreshments were provided in recognition of their contributions.
Superintendent Cain provided a construction timeline update. Detailed cleaning occurred May 12th–13th, followed by HVAC training on May 14th and a state inspection on May 15th, with approval anticipated by May 16th. Flex days for final adjustments are scheduled for May 19th–21st. The Middle School team will visit on May 22nd, with student and teacher tours the week of May 27th. Transitioning may begin the week of June 2nd, with a Community Open House planned for August 20th or 21st.
Superintendent Cain reminded Board members to inform Amber of their availability for the statewide Student Success Summit on June 11th, in Ankeny. The Strategic Plan continues to be revised based on collected feedback.
The District is finalizing quotes from two safety app providers. He is working with several administrators and the SRO to prepare a recommendation for the next May Board meeting, with the goal of implementing the chosen solution by August.
The Board reviewed the District’s open positions. Superintendent Cain noted staffing is in a good position for May.
Tonight marks the final community input meeting for Strategic Planning. The next steps will involve developing a communication plan to share the outcomes of the strategic planning process with the community.
Superintendent Cain proposed considering 7:00 a.m. start times for the June 9th, June 23rd, and July 28th Board meetings if that is more convenient for members. The final decision will be left to the Board and will be brought back to the Board for approval next meeting.
Motion by Thiessen, second by Wiese to approve the following personnel requests with the removal of Kelsea Anderson from the resignations. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Hires: Alexis Huff - Migrant Tutor, Catherine Westwater - 2nd Grade Teacher, Madeline Altenhofen - 4th Grade Teacher, Rhonda Ricker - Summer School Coordinator, John Loos - Middle School Cross Country Coach, Dixie Forcht - .25 FTE High School Instructional Coach, Marissa Purk - 7th Grade Literacy, Laurie Baack - Part Time Middle School Special Education Teacher, and Elyse Clapp - Preschool Teacher
Resignations: Rebecca Talk - Preschool Teacher, Jay Hoskey - Assistant High School Football Coach, and Madison Resendez - Special Education Paraeducator
Transfers: Kodi Hillman from Middle School Physical Education to High School Physical Education/Health Teacher and Ryan Cassady from High School Physical Education/Health Teacher to Middle School Substitute/Physical Education Teacher
Officials: HS Soccer - Troy Balderas and Middle School Softball - Maeley Elsbury, Kodi Hillman, Keely Upah, Tiffany Thiessen, David Nitz, and David Reisner
Motion by Wiese, second by Hopper to approve the Extra & Co-Curricular Schedule updates as presented, with moving Head FFA Advisor to Level III and Assistant FFA Advisor to Level IV. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Wiese, second by Hanus to approve the Software Unlimited invoice, in the amount of $9,100.00, for the District accounting software. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Thiessen, second by Hanus to approve the Precision Millwork Co. bid proposal, in the amount of $7,657.00, for cabinets for the new middle school. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Thiessen, second by Hopper to approve the Garling Construction pay application #20, in the amount of $813,442.38, for general construction services. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Wiese, second by Thiessen to approve the RC Systems invoice, in the amount of $62,642.92, for cameras and access. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Hopper, second by Wiese to approve the B & L Transmission estimate, in the amount of $5,440.84 (not including tax), for a transmission overhaul for the 2022 Blue Bird bus. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Wiese, second by Hopper to approve the Trane invoice, in the amount of $5,805.84, for a unit at the elementary. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Thiessen, second by Hanus to approve the FY 2024 audit. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Motion by Thiessen, second by Hanus to approve the first reading of Policy 407.06 - Employee Early Retirement, with the update under Letter B. Payment for Early Retirees, number two. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Mr. Cain reviewed upcoming events with the Board.
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, May 27, 2025, at 5:00 p.m., at the Partnership Center, Tama IA.
Motion by Wiese, second by Thiessen to adjourn the meeting at 6:27 p.m.
Elizabeth Dolezal, Board President Katie Mathern, Board Secretary